The second annual Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) Welding Rodeo took place on October 9 at the Sturgeon Bay and Marinette campuses, once again uniting creativity, craftsmanship, and community. This dynamic event not only celebrated the artistic and technical skill of welders but also showcased the strong partnership between education and industry in Northeast Wisconsin. Designed to raise funds for student scholarships and inspire future tradespeople, the rodeo continues to strengthen the region’s skilled workforce and local economy.
“The Welding Rodeo represents the best of what can happen when our communities, educators, and industry partners unite around a shared purpose,” said Cindy Bailey, NWTC Director of K12 Pathways and Rural Community Impact. “It’s about sparking interest, creating opportunity, and ensuring that students across our district see the incredible futures available right here at home.”
More than 50 competitors, including professional welders, local artists, and even high school students participated in welding challenges that transformed scrap metal into imaginative sculptures. Each piece reflected not only technical precision but also creative vision. The finished works were auctioned off to raise funds for future welding scholarships, generating nearly $10,000 for the second consecutive year.
In the professional category, Totally Trained Experts from Therma-Tron-X claimed first place, followed by Bay Ship Blazers from Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. In the amateur division, Sparks and Spatter, also representing Therma-Tron-X, earned top honors, while teams from Preble High School in Green Bay took second and third.
Supported by a three-year grant from the U.S. Navy, the Welding Rodeo was created to encourage more students to explore welding and engineering careers. The event has had a tangible impact on the local community, inspiring students to pursue technical education and supporting employers in need of skilled workers. By connecting young talent with local industries, NWTC is helping to build a stronger regional workforce. The Welding Rodeo stands as a vibrant example of how education, creativity, and community collaboration can ignite new possibilities for students and sustain the growth of Northeast Wisconsin’s manufacturing and maritime industries.
