Date of Event: 03/04/2026
Location: Northland Community and Technical College, Thief River Falls, MN, campus.
Number of Attendees: 175
Presenter/Notable Guest(s): District 15 Director Dale Szabla
Event Summary: The American Welding Society (AWS) Northern Plains Section recently hosted its
annual Behind the Mask welding contest at Northland Community and Technical College’s Thief River Falls, MN campus. The event brought together welding students 9 high schools and 5 colleges from across North Dakota and Minnesota to compete and connect with industry professionals.
78 secondary students and 76 post-secondary students registered to compete in both Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding
(GMAW) processes. With 154 total contestants, this year’s competition marked the largest participation in the history of the AWS Northern Plains
Section’s annual Behind the Mask contest.
Students representing nine high schools and five colleges from across North Dakota and Minnesota traveled to participate in the event, competing for more than $18,000 in prizes generously provided by industry partners and supporters.
Beyond the competition itself, the event also provided an opportunity for students to engage with representatives from local and regional companies. Industry partners were present to discuss career pathways, answer questions, and highlight employment opportunities available to students as they complete their welding education.
The AWS Northern Plains Section extends its appreciation to Northland Community and Technical College, Thief River Falls campus, for hosting this
year’s event. The section also thanks the many volunteers who dedicated their time to organize, facilitate, and judge the competition.
Special recognition is given to the many organizations and vendors whose generous donations of materials, equipment, and prizes helped make the contest possible. Sponsors included **Alexandria Technical and Community College, A-Ox Welding Supply, Airgas, American Welding & Gas, Central Boiler, Central McGowan / Red River Welder Supply, CGW Abrasives, Degelman Industries, DeWalt, Grand Forks Welding & Machine, Lincoln Electric, Linde Gas & Equipment, Lunseth Plumbing & Heating, Miller Electric, Mathey Dearman,
North Dakota State College of Science, PS Industries, Steffes Manufacturing, Strong Hand Tools, Summers Manufacturing, Tillman Gloves,
UA Local 512 Ironworkers Union, and Weldcote Metals.
Events such as the Behind the Mask contest play an important role in supporting welding education and workforce development across the region. By providing students with the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive environment and interact with industry professionals, the contest strengthens the connection between education and industry and encourages the next generation of welders to pursue careers in welding and fabrication.
