Returning April 30, 2025

The Southeast Minnesota Welding Competition is returning for its third year! The event is held at the Heintz Center at the Rochester Community and Technical College campus. 

Student registration opens at the beginning of 2025.

Call Us Today:

(507) 273-9661

Brief Competition Overview

The Southeast Minnesota Welding Competition is available to high school students in SE Minnesota who have taken welding courses and are interested in pursuing a career in welding, manufacturing, military, or the trades. The event will consist of three main parts: The Welding Competition, A Career Fair, and an opportunity for businesses, schools, and students to network and develop relationships to better the industries of welding, manufacturing, and the trades in Southeast Minnesota. The SE MN Welding Competition is held at the RCTC Heintz Center in Rochester on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. At this time, we are accepting registration from businesses, post-secondary institutions, and sponsors.

Student registration will open at 7:00 am on Monday, January 12, 2025. A school representative must register on behalf of the student(s) they wish to accompany to the event.

 

Impacting Welding & Manufacturing in SE Minnesota

Our goal is not only to bring awareness to the welding and manufacturing industry, we also want to celebrate it. Manufacturing jobs account for nearly 15% of all jobs in Southeast Minnesota. An event like this sheds light on career opportunities for the next generation of our workforce while encouraging industry collaboration and advancement. 

Click here to register

Regional Impact Goals

35 +
Industry Partners
400
Students Participating
35 +
Secondary and Post-Secondary Partners
$ 45 K+
In Prizes, Sponsorships, and MORE!

Our Advisory Board

Hosting an event of this magnitude takes an enormous effort, and without a devoted

group of partners, we wouldn’t be where we are today. A special thanks goes out to all mentioned below!

Southeast Service Cooperative

Nick Wobig, Career Navigator

Lincoln Electric

Paul Amesquita, Manager, Welding Processes

Rochester Community and Technical College

Paul Titus, Welding Instructor
Matt Durand, CTE Dean
Jeannie Meidlinger, Perkins Coordinator

McNeilus Steel, Inc.

Travis Bretzman, Community Engagement

Pine Island High School

Tyler Baker, Industrial Tech Teacher

Byron High School

Danielle Gavin, Guidance Counselor

Crenlo Engineered Cabs

Eric Roeder, Manager, Welding Processes
Michaela Newell, Human Resources

See All Partners

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This website will be updated as information becomes available. Please check back for the latest news and updates. 

If you have specific questions regarding the event or the mission of the Southeast Minnesota Welding Competition, please submit your information and we will reach out to you shortly.