UPCC Celebrates Next Generation of Trades Talent at 2025 U.P. Construction & Welding Skills Challenge

Future trades pros from across the Upper Peninsula put their skills to the test at the 2025 U.P. Construction & Welding Skills Challenge, held at the Northern Center at NMU. Hosted by the Upper Peninsula Construction Council (UPCC), the event brought together over 100 high school students to compete, connect with union contractors, and explore hands-on careers in the skilled trades.

From hammering out framing challenges to laying out electrical circuits and putting down clean welds, students showed off serious talent and teamwork in a fast-paced, real-world environment. For many, this was their first step toward a rewarding career in the construction industry—with opportunities to meet local contractors, learn about apprenticeship programs, and get inspired by union professionals already working in the field.

"This competition is about more than just winning," said Mike Smith, UPCC Executive Director. "It’s about giving students a path forward and helping them see the value of a skilled trade career—great pay, employer-paid retirement benefits, and work you can be proud of."

2025 U.P. Skills Challenge Winners

Construction Skills Challenge – Winning Teams

1st Place – Manistique

• Bryson Wood

• DJ Belleville

• Mason Dimmer

• Sam Lamasters

• Dawson Bosanic

• Griffin Maline

2nd Place – Copper Country ISD

• Alecia Aho

• Levi Bach

• Tyler Erickson

• Shane Jolma

• Walker Wantaja

3rd Place – DSISD Escanaba

• Cole Bartozek

• Adam Schroeder

• Gavin Wagner

• Daniel Sarasin

• Evan Pascoe

• Edward Forslund

Welding Skills Challenge Winners

Advanced

• 1st: Calla Porter – Superior Central

• 2nd: Johnathon Weber – Manistique

• 3rd: Logan Cox – Westwood

MIG

• 1st: Kaleb Cryan – Gogebic

• 2nd: Josh Cameron – DIISD

• 3rd: Tony Wender – DIISD

Stick

• 1st: Thomas Maynard – DIISD

• 2nd: Jase Manning – Sault Ste. Marie

• 3rd: Logan Perrault – Westwood

Congrats to all the students who participated—you’re building the future of the U.P. trades, and we’re proud to cheer you on!