March 5, 2026
From Grand Forks Herald by Sophia Herman (Photo by Sophia Herman / Grand Forks Herald)
More than $17,000 was awarded to students at the Behind the Mask Welding Contest Wednesday in Thief River Falls, which hosted over 150 competitors – the largest to date.
The contest was put on by the American Welding Society (AWS) Northern Plains Section in cooperation with the Northland Community & Technical College.
At the competition, high school and college students competed in two events: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). Tim Schwanz, the AWS Northern Plains Section secretary, said the contest gives students experience working under pressure and in “real job-like situations.” He said this is particularly important as the demand for skilled trades grows in the state.
“There are opportunities that these students can have success. … The job opportunities are just growing steadily,” he said. “Not necessarily everybody needs a four-year degree, so showing students that there are other opportunities.”
North Dakota is in a statewide workforce shortage, with 47 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the University of North Dakota . There is particularly a demand for skilled trades, and welders are on the North Dakota In-Demand Occupations List created by the state.