AWS Selects Mikala Sposito to Represent US at WorldSkills Shanghai

MIAMI, FL — The American Welding Society (AWS) and SkillsUSA have chosen Mikala Sposito, a 21-year-old pupil from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, because the official US competitor in welding for the forty eighth WorldSkills Competitors, set for September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

Rigorous Nationwide Trials Determine High Expertise

Sposito earned her place by taking first total on the USA Weld Trials, held on the Robotics Expertise Park in Huntsville, Alabama. The multi-stage competitors introduced collectively prime pupil welders from throughout the nation and evaluated efficiency throughout key contractor-relevant abilities, together with precision, security, technical execution, and the power to finish advanced, multi-process welds beneath tight timelines.

The trials additionally emphasised consistency and craftsmanship beneath stress—circumstances that carefully mirror real-world jobsite calls for.

Benjamin Cornaby of Utah State College Japanese positioned second, whereas CJ Parks of West Aspect Greers Ferry, Arkansas, completed third.

Coaching, Self-discipline Drive Aggressive Edge

Sposito’s path to the nationwide stage displays the form of sustained coaching and self-discipline required to reach at present’s expert trades. After first discovering welding by a digital demonstration at age 10, she went on to win the 2024 SkillsUSA Michigan state championship.

Over the previous two years, she has dedicated 60–80 hours per week to hands-on coaching at Washtenaw Group School beneath teacher Alex Pazkowski, a former WorldSkills silver medalist. Sposito turns into the sixth WorldSkills qualifier from the school—greater than every other US program—with a number of previous opponents now returning as instructors.

Efficiency Below Stress Defines Elite Rivals

“Rivals at this degree exhibit distinctive technical ability together with the self-discipline, psychological toughness, and consistency required to carry out on the highest degree beneath intense stress,” stated Martica Ventura, Senior Supervisor for Competitions, Occasions and Conferences at AWS. “Mikala’s achievement displays the excessive requirements required to compete on a worldwide stage and reveals that excellence in welding is open to everybody.”

Trade Assist Prepares Competitor for International Stage

In preparation for WorldSkills, Sposito will proceed coaching alongside different nationwide finalists with help from AWS and business companions. The group manages the US choice course of, together with analysis standards, nationwide trials, and ongoing technical mentorship to make sure opponents meet worldwide efficiency requirements.

Workforce Improvement Pipeline Beneficial properties Visibility

Sposito’s choice underscores the function of profession and technical education schemes in constructing a talented workforce pipeline for high-demand sectors akin to building, fabrication, vitality, and superior manufacturing.

The WorldSkills Competitors will deliver collectively prime younger professionals from all over the world, providing a platform to benchmark abilities, change finest practices, and elevate technical coaching requirements throughout industries.

To study extra concerning the American Welding Society, go to www.aws.org.

To study extra about SkillsUSA, go to www.skillsusa.org.