AWS Selects Mikala Sposito to Represent US at WorldSkills Shanghai
Key Highlights
- First US female welding competitor selected for WorldSkills
- USA Weld Trials simulate real-world jobsite pressure with multi-process, time-sensitive challenges
- Intensive training and CTE programs continue to produce job-ready talent for contractors and manufacturers
MIAMI, FL — The American Welding Society (AWS) and SkillsUSA have selected Mikala Sposito, a 21-year-old student from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the official US competitor in welding for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, set for September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.
Rigorous National Trials Identify Top Talent
Sposito earned her place by taking first overall at the USA Weld Trials, held at the Robotics Technology Park in Huntsville, Alabama. The multi-stage competition brought together top student welders from across the country and evaluated performance across key contractor-relevant skills, including precision, safety, technical execution, and the ability to complete complex, multi-process welds under tight timelines.
The trials also emphasized consistency and craftsmanship under pressure—conditions that closely mirror real-world jobsite demands.
Benjamin Cornaby of Utah State University Eastern placed second, while CJ Parks of West Side Greers Ferry, Arkansas, finished third.
Training, Discipline Drive Competitive Edge
Sposito’s path to the national stage reflects the kind of sustained training and discipline required to succeed in today’s skilled trades. After first discovering welding through a virtual demonstration at age 10, she went on to win the 2024 SkillsUSA Michigan state championship.
Over the past two years, she has committed 60–80 hours per week to hands-on training at Washtenaw Community College under instructor Alex Pazkowski, a former WorldSkills silver medalist. Sposito becomes the sixth WorldSkills qualifier from the college—more than any other US program—with several past competitors now returning as instructors.
Performance Under Pressure Defines Elite Competitors
“Competitors at this level demonstrate exceptional technical skill along with the discipline, mental toughness, and consistency required to perform at the highest level under intense pressure,” said Martica Ventura, Senior Manager for Competitions, Events and Conferences at AWS. “Mikala’s achievement reflects the high standards required to compete on a global stage and shows that excellence in welding is open to everyone.”
Industry Support Prepares Competitor for Global Stage
In preparation for WorldSkills, Sposito will continue training alongside other national finalists with support from AWS and industry partners. The organization manages the US selection process, including evaluation criteria, national trials, and ongoing technical mentorship to ensure competitors meet international performance standards.
Workforce Development Pipeline Gains Visibility
Sposito’s selection underscores the role of career and technical education programs in building a skilled workforce pipeline for high-demand sectors such as construction, fabrication, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
The WorldSkills Competition will bring together top young professionals from around the world, offering a platform to benchmark skills, exchange best practices, and elevate technical training standards across industries.
To learn more about the American Welding Society, visit www.aws.org.
To learn more about SkillsUSA, visit www.skillsusa.org.