More than 50 welding students from across Wisconsin and Minnesota gathered at Northwood Technical College’s Superior campus March 25 for the annual “Behind the Mask” Welding Competition, an event designed to strengthen workforce readiness and build direct connections between students and industry.
Hosted in partnership with the American Welding Society Arrowhead Section, the competition brought together students from multiple technical colleges to test their skills in real-world scenarios aligned with employer expectations.
Students competed in shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding and oxy-fuel cutting, completing timed projects that required blueprint reading, fabrication and technical precision. Judges evaluated competitors on accuracy, speed and overall craftsmanship, key skills required in today’s manufacturing and skilled trades workforce.
“This competition gives students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a setting that reflects real workplace expectations,” said Aleasha Hladilek Falter, welding instructor at Northwood Technical College. “They are reading prints, fabricating parts and working under pressure, which are all critical skills employers expect from day one.”
The event also introduced an element of pressure that mirrors real workplace conditions, where weld tests are often part of the hiring process.
“The demand for skilled welders continues to grow, and employers are looking for individuals who can perform under real-world conditions,” said Dale Szabla, District 15 director for the American Welding Society. “Competitions like this give students that experience before they enter the workforce.”
“Anyone who was participating in this competition had all of the skills necessary to win,” said Devon Orozco, gas metal arc welding winner and a Northwood Tech welding student at the Superior campus. “This was because of the training they received from their institutions. I won the competition because I happened to have a good day, but in the real world, it’s not about having a good day, it’s about being able to consistently apply the skills you have. The competition was a great way to test those skills,”
In addition to the competition, a Welding Career and Vendor Fair connected students with regional employers, creating opportunities for early engagement. Many of the participating businesses are ones students have already toured or will visit as they prepare to enter the workforce, offering exposure to a wide range of job opportunities and work environments across the Twin Ports.
Northwood Tech continues to reinforce those connections through ongoing employer partnerships. Each spring, welding students tour multiple regional manufacturing facilities, giving them firsthand exposure to workplace environments and expectations.
These efforts align with strong employment outcomes. Northwood Tech reports a 96% placement rate for its welding graduates, reflecting continued demand for skilled workers in the field.
Northwood Tech’s welding technical diploma program is designed in collaboration with industry to prepare students for immediate employment. Training emphasizes hands-on experience using modern equipment and real-world applications aligned with employer needs.
Events like “Behind the Mask” demonstrate how partnerships between education and industry support workforce development by preparing students to transition directly into high-demand careers while helping employers build a reliable talent pipeline.
For more information about welding programs at Northwood Technical College, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/Welding.
Mandy Dietrich is a PR/Communications Specialist at Northwood Technical College
