Mid-State Technical College hosted its third SkillsUSA Welding Challenge on Friday, Oct. 20, on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus. 

Thirty-one high school students representing Chetek-Weyerhaeuser, Chippewa Falls, D.C. Everest, Lincoln (Wisconsin Rapids), Marshall, Marshfield, Mosinee and Wausau West high schools had the opportunity to compete in a welding competition. Included were a hands-on weld test and written test in addition to a job interview competition.

Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the top scorers in each category with the gold medal recipients earning a guaranteed spot at the SkillsUSA State Leadership & Skills Conference welding competition in April in Madison. 

Job Interview Competition
Gold Medal: Navy Held – Marshall High School
Silver Medal: Alexandria Benson – Lincoln High School
Bronze Medal: William Webster – Marshall High School

Welding Competition
Gold Medal: Nash Sullivan – Lincoln High School
Silver Medal: Aydon Perkins – Chippewa Falls High School
Bronze Medal: Cade Meyer – Marshfield High School

“Each contestant should be proud of the hard work they put into the Welding Challenge competitions,” said Ryan Kawski, dean of the School of Applied Technology. “The SkillsUSA Welding Challenge is a great career development event for high schoolers. Not only did they get to test their welding skills for future careers in welding, but they also practiced their job interview skills to help them land their dream job.”

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. SkillsUSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor as a successful model of employer-driven workforce development.

View all upcoming events at mstc.edu/events.