CAREER AND TECH INVITATIONALS
2025-2026 Career and Tech Ed Events
PPE REQUIRED (brought by students): Welding Helmet, Welding Gloves. Welding Sleeves, Welding Jacket, and Safety Glasses. Closed-toe shoes - no synthetic materials are required. ​​​​​
March 12 - Willmar, MN - Ridgewater & Relco (Kovalus) Industry Partner
Arrival/Registration: 8:30 AM - 9 AM start time
Max Participants: 60 students (Teams of 5 Max)
Location: Ridewater College - 2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201
& Relco - 2331 3rd Ave SW, Willmar, MN 56201
Lunch (provided) and Awards around Noon.
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Welding Plans will be provided prior to the contest
Prizes for top two in each area! All students will leave with welding goodies!
PPE REQUIRED (brought by students): Welding Helmet, Welding Gloves. Welding Sleeves or Welding Jacket and Safety Glasses. Appropriate footwear for welding (no sandals or open shoes)
Ridgewater Welding Program​​​​​​​​​​​​​
March 27 - N. Mankato, MN - SCC FFA Invitational
Arrival/Registration - 8:30 AM
Max Participants: 48 FFA Members
Location: South Central College - Room F154 and F150 (Welding Shop and classroom),
Individual and team competition, teams of 3, max number of students from one school is capped at 3.
March 21 - MAMP Meat Cutting Contest
Registration will be limited to the first 10 teams that register for the 2026 contest. Registration is free. To register, please visit https://www.mamponline.com/product/affiliate-convention-registration/
The Minnesota Association of Meat Processors (MAMP) is proud to showcase the skill of young meat processors in training at the annual convention. 10 teams of up to 4 high school students will compete and showcase their meat cutting skills for a panel of MAMP judges.
Welding Invitationals will be held across Minnesota for FFA Members. Chaperones do not need to be the FFA Advisor; however, all teams must have a chaperone in attendance.​
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Cost: A $8 per member payment is required to reserve a spot at the event and participate. No refunds will be provided. Online payment is preferred. If this doesn't work for you please contact nmortenson@mnffa.org.
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For your specific questions contact:
Natasha Mortenson
Minnesota FFA Career Coordinator
146 Ruttan Hall
1984 Buford Ave.
St Paul, MN 55108
320-815-8459
November 21- Morris, MN - Superior/Westmor Industries
Arrival/Registration - 8:30 AM
Start Time - 9:00 AM
Max Participants: 50 students
Location: Superior/Westmor Industries Weld Training Center - 2 Industrial Blvd, Morris, MN 56267
Welding Processes: GMAW, SMAW
Experience includes Tours, Presentations from Professionals, and FREE LUNCH
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FLYER available here
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Awards will be given to the top 5 competitors; 1st and 2nd place will receive a new welder with a welding helmet! Door prizes will also be handed out to FFA members!
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Practicum: students will be required to weld fillet joints, lap joints, and 1 corner weld. Weld process will be SMAW (Stick) using a 3/32" 6013 and GMAW (MIG) using 0.35 Solid Wire.
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PPE REQUIRED (brought by students): Welding Helmet, Welding Gloves. Welding Sleeves or Welding Jacket and Safety Glasses. Appropriate footwear for welding (no sandals or open shoes)
Dec. 5 - New Hope, MN - Lynnes Welding FFA Invitational
Arrival/Registration -8:30 AM
Start Time - 9 AM
Max Participants: 25 students
Location: 4000 Winnetka Ave N., Suite 100, New Hope MN 55427
Welding Processes: GMAW, SMAW, Oxy-Fuel, Simulation.
Welding Plans will be provided prior to the contest
Prizes for top two in each area! All students will leave with welding goodies!
PPE REQUIRED (brought by students): Welding Helmet, Welding Gloves. Welding Sleeves or Welding Jacket and Safety Glasses. Appropriate footwear for welding (no sandals or open shoes)
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Lynnes Training Center Website​​​​​​​​​​​
Jan. 9 - Fargo, ND - Lynnes Welding FFA Invitational
Arrival/Registration: 8:30 AM - 9 AM start time
Max Participants: 25 students
Location: 2717 3rd Avenue North Fargo, ND 58102
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Welding Plans will be provided prior to the contest
Prizes for top two in each area! All students will leave with welding goodies!
PPE REQUIRED (brought by students): Welding Helmet, Welding Gloves. Welding Sleeves or Welding Jacket and Safety Glasses. Appropriate footwear for welding (no sandals or open shoes)
Lynnes Training Center Website​​​​​​​​​​​​​​