MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Mitchell Technical College has received the 2026 WEMCO Excellence in Welding Award in the Educational Facility category, recognizing its contributions to welding education and workforce development, according to a college news release.
The award was presented Thursday, Oct. 22, during the WEMCO Excellence in Welding and AWS Foundation Awards Ceremony at FABTECH in Las Vegas. The WEMCO Executive Committee selected Mitchell Tech from a competitive pool of nominees.
Welding Engineering Technology Program Director Travis Peterson credited faculty, students and industry partnerships for the recognition.
“It reflects the dedication of our faculty, the accomplishments of our students, and the strong relationships we have built with industry,” Peterson said.
Mitchell Tech’s Welding Engineering Technology program operates as an American Welding Society Accredited Testing Facility, allowing students to earn industry-recognized welding certifications. Students also gain hands-on experience in nondestructive testing, welding robotics and welding codes.
The college said the award reflects years of work by welding faculty and staff, supported by industry partners and advisory board members.
“This award belongs to everyone who has invested in the success of our welding students and programs,” Mitchell Tech President Theresa Kriese said.
Kriese said the program’s hands-on training prepares students to enter the workforce, and the national recognition reinforces the quality of that education.
More information about the program is available at mitchelltech.edu.