Rockford, Illinois-based The Caldwell Group Inc. has taken part in its first Junkyard Wars-inspired welding competition at Blackhawk Technical College in Rock County, Wisconsin.
Caldwell provided safety glasses, hats and competition judges as Blackhawk welcomed students from across the area to its Innovative Manufacturing Education Center (IMEC) on the college’s Beloit-Janesville campus.
Based on the concept of the popular television show, teams created a sculpture from scrap and reclaimed metal. This year’s theme was ‘Hometown Roots’, challenging entrants to fabricate a sculpture that reflected their hometown and what it is built on, such as identity, history, industry, or something the community is known for.
Following a safety briefing, teams of four students from each school were given three hours to plan and fabricate their project. Judges carefully examined each team’s progress, judging work on craftsmanship and weld quality; creativity and interpretation of the theme; and overall presentation.
Amy Garris, who oversees education outreach at Caldwell, said: “It was an honor to support Blackhawk on such a fun but important collaboration. The college has been running this competition for a few years now and it has already grown into a fantastic event where students from all over the area compete. It was inspiring to see contestants design and build practical solutions from limited materials, applying their skills in real time. The format does more than test ability; it creates energy, visibility, and a sense of achievement, helping to build both competence and confidence, while making the learning process memorable and rewarding.”
Caldwell recognizes that connectivity with the education sector is central to attracting the next generation of welders and other workers in the U.S. Fabrication is fundamental to production of the company’s Rockford-made line of Caldwell-brand below-the-hook lifters, construction lifters, mill duty lifters, and Renfroe-brand clamps.
Caldwell’s Garris added: “Manufacturers must increasingly set clear goals to help fuel pipelines of welders and other workers by reaching students who already have an interest in and talent for trades, but who may not yet see a direct or accessible route into industry. By connecting earlier and more meaningfully, it is possible to convert existing interest into structured pathways, sustained development, and ultimately long-term careers in manufacturing.”
Following debut participation in Blackhawk Technical College’s Junkyard Wars, Caldwell has also attended the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance (SMA) Signing Day for the first time.