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: 30 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.
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.
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.
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
FLYER available here
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!
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.
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)
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
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