Published on March 10, 2026

Lake Land College is hosting its first-ever welding competition for area high school students on Thursday, March 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the event, participating students will compete against each other in the Lake Land College welding lab, showcasing their skills and putting their proficiency to the test by completing multi-position welds. A total of 58 juniors and seniors will compete in the event, representing 14 area high schools: Beecher City, Charleston, Cowden-Herrick, Cumberland, Effingham, Mattoon, Neoga, Paris, Ramsey, Shelbyville, South Vermillion, Stewardson-Strasburg, Sullivan and Teutopolis.

“We’re excited to welcome so many high school students to campus for our first-ever welding competition,” said Tessa Wiles, Director of Dual Credit. “This event is a fun, supportive opportunity for students to show off their skills and get a firsthand look at what our welding program has to offer.”

Following the welding period, each contestant’s work will be graded by a judging panel of professional welders. The three highest-scoring juniors and three highest-scoring seniors will all take home prizes, which include professional welding gear to support future welding ambitions. The top-scoring senior will also receive a $500 Lake Land College tuition and fee waiver.

The Lake Land College High School Welding Competition is made possible by sponsors and judges representing the following industry partners: Boilermakers, Brudertank, Evapco, Irwin Seating, McFarland Steel, New York Blower, Safety Storage and Weldstar.

For more information about the Lake Land College High School Welding Competition, contact the Dual Credit office at 217-234-5044 or dcp@lakelandcollege.edu.