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Behind the Mask Welding Competition at Northwood Tech sparks skill and innovation
March 12, 2025
Technical college welding students from across the region and beyond gathered at Northwood Technical College’s Superior campus on Wednesday, March 5 for the Behind the Mask welding competition. The event was held in partnership with the American Welding Society (AWS) Arrowhead Section to showcase students' skills in various welding techniques. During the event, there was also an accompanying Welding Career & Vendor Fair providing the competitors and students with the chance to connect with industry professionals for networking opportunities and insights into career pathways within the skilled trades.
The event, which lasted just over 4 hours, featured competitions in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC). Students demonstrated their abilities to judges, instructors, and potential employers, highlighting the technical precision and craftsmanship required in the welding trade.
A welding student competes at the Behind the Mask Welding Competition, demonstrating precision and skill in the lab.
“This competition not only allows students to test their skills in a real-world setting but also helps them build connections within the industry,” said Aleasha Hladilek, welding instructor at Northwood Tech. “It’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their abilities and gain exposure to potential employers. Plus, they all had fun competing against their peers.”
The Welding Career & Vendor Fair, held alongside the competition, provided students with. Industry representatives from across the region were on hand to discuss job prospects, training programs, and technological advancements in welding.
Following the afternoon of strong competition, awards were presented at 4:30 p.m. to recognize top performers in each category. Two Northwood Tech students won in the SMAW and GMAW categories. Jace Carlson placed first in the SMAW competition while Jack Spencer placed second in the GMAW competition.
“It was great to contribute to the welding competition. It was fun to see all the people from the other colleges,” Jace Carlson, welding student at Northwood Tech.
Programs like Northwood Tech’s one-year Welding Technical Diploma give students the support to build active skills in welding, reading blueprints, and metal fabrication while working with advanced tools like robotic welders and CNC plasma cutters. Most of their training happens in the lab, where modern equipment and training prepares them to enter the industry with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their career.
Events like the Behind the Mask welding competition support Northwood Tech’s goal of helping students learn skills for in-demand careers. These competitions give students a chance to show off their welding abilities, problem-solving, and attention to detail—skills that are needed for in-demand careers in welding and related fields.
For more information about Northwood Technical College’s welding programs, visit NorthwoodTech.edu/Welding.
Jace Carlson, left, won first place in the SMAW competition. Jack Spencer, right, won second place in the GMAW competition.
