The 11th Annual Welding Rodeo took place in southeast Calgary, bringing together 32 students from eight local high schools to showcase their welding and metal fabrication skills. This year's theme, Welders of Oz, inspired students to complete various challenges, including fabricating a Wizard of Oz-themed sculpture and a mock CWB 1GF weld test. Luc Berube from Boilermakers Local 146 highlighted the event's importance in rekindling interest in trade skills, which have seen declining enrollment in Alberta's trade schools. Students expressed their passion for welding, with Central Memorial Grade 12 student Callum Snell-Farnsworth encouraging peers to explore trade classes. The event not only offered prizes, including scholarships, but also aimed to connect students with future job opportunities in the welding industry. The success of the Calgary event has led to plans for an expansion to Edmonton this fall.