Mitchell Technical College has been named the 2026 WEMCO Excellence in Welding Award recipient for Educational Facility, recognizing the college’s outstanding contributions to welding education and workforce development.
The award was presented Thursday, October 22, during the WEMCO Excellence in Welding and AWS Foundation Awards Ceremony at FABTECH in Las Vegas, Nevada. The annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate excellence and make significant contributions to the welding industry.
Mitchell Tech was selected from a competitive pool of nominees by the WEMCO Executive Committee.
“This recognition is an incredible honor for Mitchell Tech and our welding program,” said Travis Peterson, Welding Engineering Technology Program Director. “It reflects the dedication of our faculty, the accomplishments of our students, and the strong relationships we have built with industry. We are proud to prepare students for high-demand careers while helping strengthen the welding workforce.”
The WEMCO selection recognizes the opportunities available to students in Mitchell Technical College’s Welding Engineering Technology (WET) program. As an AWS Accredited Testing Facility, the program allows students to earn industry-recognized welding certifications while gaining hands-on experience in specialized areas such as Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), welding robotics, and welding codes. These learning opportunities help students build valuable technical skills, expand their career options, and prepare to meet the evolving needs of the welding and manufacturing industries.
The recognition is the result of years of work by Mitchell Tech’s welding faculty and staff, along with the support of industry partners, advisory board members, and other stakeholders who have helped advance welding education at the college.
“This award belongs to everyone who has invested in the success of our welding students and programs,” said Theresa Kriese, President of Mitchell Technical College. “Our students receive hands-on training that prepares them to step directly into the workforce, and this recognition from WEMCO and the American Welding Society Foundation reinforces the quality of that education.”
For current students and future welders, the award provides another example of the opportunities available through a career-focused education at Mitchell Tech.
“This is a great time to be a welding student at Mitchell Tech,” Peterson said. “We have an outstanding group of students, dedicated instructors, and incredible industry support. This award gives us another reason to be proud of what we are building together.”
The 2026 WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards were presented as part of FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. Mitchell Tech was recognized alongside recipients representing welding organizations, educators, businesses, veterans, and individuals from across the industry.
For more information about Mitchell Technical College’s Welding Engineering Technology Program, visit mitchelltech.edu.
