SkillsUSA Wisconsin Welding Challenges

Why Welding?

By 2029, the American Welding Society projects a need for over 320,000 new welding professionals nationwide. Welders play a vital role in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and shipbuilding.

Participating in a SkillsUSA Welding Challenge gives students a head start in developing the skills needed for a successful career.

What to Expect

During the Welding Challenge, SkillsUSA high school members will:

  • Compete in a hands-on welding challenge

  • Take a written knowledge test

  • Participate in a mock job interview

Medals will be awarded in both the welding and interview portions: gold, silver, and bronze.

  • The gold medalist in welding secures an automatic spot at the State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC) in April.

Registration Details

  • Where to Register: Through the National Registration System

  • Who Can Participate: High school SkillsUSA members only

  • Registration Fee: $20 per student (advisors attend free)

  • Deadline: See the posted registration close date below

    Note: Contests may close early if spots are filled

  • Advisor Requirement: At least one adult advisor must accompany each school

  • Limits: Each school has a set number of participant spots, based on host site capacity. To request additional spots, email wisconsinskillsusa@gmail.com 

Important Reminders

  • Students must be registered SkillsUSA members for the current membership year

  • Bring a resume for the job interview portion

  • Bring required safety equipment (see technical standards and email will go out to contestants head of time)

  • Lunch is provided — please include dietary restrictions when registering

Date Location Building Address Start Time End Time Registration per school/Location Max Registration Open/Close Dates
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025 – Save the date Sept, 29th, 2026! Fox Valley Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (AMTC) 4200 Poberezny Rd, Oshkosh, WI 54902 7:45-8:15 AM Registration 1:45 PM 6 per school / 32 Max Open 9/5/25 – Close 9/17/25
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 Mid-State Technical College AMETA Center 5000 Coye Dr. Stevens Point, WI 54481 8:30 AM 1:00 PM 4 per school / 32 Max Open 9/15/25 – Close 10/1/25
Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 Blackhawk Technical College IMEC Building 6004 S County Rd G, Janesville, WI 53546 8:30 AM 12:30 PM 4 per school / 24 Max Open 9/22/25 – Close 10/8/25
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 Chetek, WI Chetek-Weyerhaeuser High School 1001 Knapp St, Chetek, WI 54728 8:30 AM 2:00 PM 5 per school / 30 Max Open 10/31/25 – Close 11/20/25