Welding Rodeo
Get ready for NWTC's Welding Rodeo, an exciting event at our Marinette and Green Bay campuses that you won't want to miss!
And the best part? It's completely FREE and open to everyone!
Marinette Campus
Third Annual Welding Rodeo
Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Green Bay Campus
With Build My Future
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
What to Expect at the Welding Rodeo
This event offers a full day of thrilling competition, hands-on activities, and community spirit. Come join the fun and support the future of welding!
Welding Competitions
- Who will have the skills to win? Watch as teams of up to 4 welders compete, using only donated scrap metal to create stunning sculptures in just 8 hours.
- Categories include amateur (high school & college), professional, and corporate team welders. Top teams will win amazing prizes!
Fun for Students, Adults and Families
- High school students can explore hands-on, immersive career activities
- The community will enjoy a day of activities, mouthwatering food, and music for all ages!
Live Metal Sculpture Auction
- Don't miss your chance to own a piece of the competition! Sculptures created during the event will be sold to the highest bidder at the end of the day.
- All proceeds benefit scholarships for NWTC welding students.
New in 2026!
The Welding Rodeo teams up with Build My Future in Green Bay for one massive, hands-on, immersive career experience!
More Event Details
Welding Rodeo Benefits
- Tests welding and fabricating skills in a unique learning experience
- Builds awareness of strong welding career opportunities that directly contribute to shipbuilding industry partners and workforce needs
- Reinforces teamwork and leadership skills
- Incorporates tool and equipment safety as well as set-up training
- Requires troubleshooting skills
- Connects community, college, and industry
Employer Participation
Employers can sponsor activities, donate scrap metal and supplies, or network with local high school students.
- Welding Rodeo sponsorship information and sign-up (Green Bay and Marinette)
- Build My Future exhibitor details and sign-up (Green Bay only)
- Build My Future sponsorship info and sign-up (Green Bay only)
- Welding Rodeo STEM career fair registration (Marinette only)
For questions or additional information, please contact Michelle Rutues: michelle.rutues@nwtc.edu or 920-272-9459.
Call for Artists & Artist Advisors
The Welding Rodeo combines metal arts, hands-on welding, and live competition, creating a unique opportunity for artists to engage with the public and the trades. We are currently seeking:
- Artistic Advisors: Experienced artists are invited to apply to mentor and guide amateur teams, offering creative direction, technical support, and industry insight throughout the event.
- Metal Craft Art Fair Participants: Artists and makers can apply to showcase and sell their metalwork, connect with the community, and be part of a dynamic, hands-on creative experience.
Sculpture Auction Info
- Payment due at time of auction.
- We ask that the sculptures remain on campus at NWTC Sturgeon Bay for one week following the event.
- Maximum dimensions of each sculpture are 5 feet wide by 5 feet high by 5 feet deep.
- Winning bidders are responsible for picking up and transporting the sculptures by contacting Michelle Rutues, NWTC event coordinator, at michelle.rutues@nwtc.edu or 920-272-9459.
Questions?
Please contact Michelle Rutues, event coordinator. Email: michelle.rutues@nwtc.edu | Phone: 920-272-9459
The Welding Rodeo: Experiences in STEM Education is sponsored by the Department of Navy, Office of Naval Research under ONR award number N00014-24-1-2151. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Naval Research.