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Welding Rodeo

Get ready for NWTC's Welding Rodeo, an exciting event at our Marinette and Sturgeon Bay campuses that you won't want to miss! And the best part? It's completely FREE and open to everyone!

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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 go head-to-head, 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!
Sign Up to Compete

STEM Career Fair

  • Dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math!
  • Connect with local employers and NWTC staff to discover endless career opportunities in these booming fields.
  • Are you an employer interested in donating or participating? Learn more here.
     

Family Fun

  • 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.
  • All proceeds benefit scholarships for NWTC welding students.


Welder creating a sculpture

Marinette Campus

Wednesday, October 1, 2025   |  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

See Marinette Event Details

Sturgeon Bay Campus

Thursday, October 9, 2025  |  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

See Sturgeon Bay Event Details

What are the auction details?

  • 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.

Why a Welding Rodeo?

  • Tests welding and fabricating skills in a unique learning experience
  • Reinforces teamwork and leadership skills
  • Incorporates tool and equipment safety as well as set-up training
  • Requires troubleshooting skills
  • Connects community, college, and industry

Questions?

Please contact Michelle Rutues.  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.