Gearing up for the National Welding League National Championship

The 2025 National Welding League (NWL) competition season has been electric this year, bringing together some of the most talented high school and college-level welders from across the U.S. and beyond. With hundreds of students welding their way through tough project-based challenges, this year’s competition has been one for the books.

The NWL is more than just a competition, it’s a stage where high school students can show off their welding skills, gain real-world experience, and build pathways into the skilled trades. The competition is split into two rounds, with the top 24 students advancing to the National Championship, a final showdown where precision, creativity, and grit are put to the ultimate test.

Each round challenges students with hands-on welding projects that require serious skill in areas like fit-up, joint preparation, and final weld quality. It’s not just about technical ability it’s about focus, problem-solving, and passion.

This season, the NWL welcomed 337 students from 122 schools, representing 37 states and 1 Canadian province. Since October 2024, these students have been working tirelessly on their projects, grinding metal, mastering techniques, and leveling up their craft. Now, after months of hard work, the top 24 welders in the country are preparing to face off in the National Championship. Only one will come out on top, but every finalist has already proven they’ve got what it takes to succeed in this high-demand field.

What makes the NWL truly special is what happens beyond the welding booth. The competition builds confidence, community, and career momentum. Students gain access to mentorship opportunities, industry-standard tools and practices, and even job connections with employers and training programs.

Many past participants have gone on to earn scholarships, apprenticeships, and full-time jobs in welding and fabrication. For many, this competition is the spark that lights a lifelong career in the trades.