Welding sparks will fly again as Northeast Wisconsin Technical College annual Welding Rodeo returns to showcase the creativity of local welders and raise scholarship support for NWTC students.
The free, family-friendly event celebrates creativity, showcases career opportunities at the Marinette Campus Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Sturgeon Bay Campus Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year’s event will once again feature:
- Welding Competitions – Teams of up to four will have eight hours to transform scrap metal into themed sculptures: Hook, Line & Arc (Marinette) and Celestial Sparks: Welding Among the Stars (Sturgeon Bay). Categories include amateur (high school & college), professional, and corporate teams. Winning entries will earn awards and prizes.
- STEM Career Fair – Connect with local employers and NWTC staff to explore pathways in welding, manufacturing, and other growing STEM fields.
- Live Auction of Metal Art – Sculptures created during the competition will be auctioned off to support NWTC welding scholarships.
- Family Activities – Food, music, and entertainment for all ages. Marinette and Sturgeon Bay will also include an Explore Day for area high school students.
Welding Rodeo participants test their welding and fabrication skills, sharpen teamwork and leadership, and strengthen safety and troubleshooting abilities, all while connecting education, industry, and community.
“The need for skilled welders continues to grow across our state, and this event shines a spotlight on how education and industry can come together to meet that demand,” said Cindy Bailey, NWTC Director of K12 Pathways and Rural Community Impact. “The Welding Rodeo is about more than competition—it’s about inspiring future talent, opening doors for high school students, and ensuring our rural communities have access to the careers that sustain and grow our region.”
For further details about the Welding Rodeos, visit nwtc.edu/rodeo.
