Date of Event: 03/05/2025
Location: Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, MN, campus.
Number of Attendees: 150
Presenter/Notable Guest(s): Tim C. Schwanz District 15 Deputy District Director presented
Foundation Scholarship Information and provided materials.
Event Summary: AWS Northern Plains Section recently held it’s Behind the Mask Contest at Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, MN, campus. 48 post-secondary students and 68 secondary students competed in SMAW and GMAW processes. This year’s 116 total contestants is the highest number in history for the Northern Plains Section’s annual contest. Students came from 9 high schools and 5 colleges from across North Dakota and Minnesota to compete for over $12,000 in prizes! While not competing, students were able to visit with various local industry representatives to learn about potential career opportunities that may await them after completing their education.
The section would like to thank Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks, MN, campus, for hosting this year’s contest, to those others who volunteered time from their busy schedule to help facilitate and judge the contest. A big thanks also to all of the vendors who donated materials and prizes for the contest including; Alexandria Community and Technical College, A-Ox Welding Supply, Airgas Fargo, American Welding & Gas, Central Boiler, Central McGowan/Red River Welder Supply, CSN Welding / Great Plains Tower Consolidated Equipment Group, CGW, DCI Stainless Steel Manufacturer, Degelman Industries, DeWalt Tool, Grand Forks Welding & Machine, Lincoln Electric, Lunseth P&H, Miller Electric, North Dakota State College of Science, Steffes Manufacturing, Summers Manufacturing, Tillman Gloves, Weldcote Metals.
