Announcing a New State-Only Contest for SkillsUSA MT SLSC 2026: Recycled Metal Sculpture
Roberta Tilleman
Dear SkillsUSA Montana Advisors,
We are excited to share an important update for the 2026 SkillsUSA Montana State Leadership & Skills Conference. Beginning this year, we are adding a brand-new state-only competition: the Recycled Metal Sculpture Contest.
This contest will be open to all levels—Middle School, High School, and Postsecondary. Competitors will showcase their ability to design and produce a sculpture using recycled metal materials, allowing students to demonstrate creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving while working with sustainable and repurposed resources.
The technical standards for this contest will align closely with the traditional Welding Sculpture competition; however, students will have greater flexibility in their designs since the sculptures must be created exclusively from recycled metal pieces. This provides an exciting opportunity for contestants to think outside the box and explore innovative approaches to artistic fabrication.
Please review the attached technical standard for complete details on requirements, scoring, and guidelines.
We are thrilled to offer this new contest as another meaningful outlet for students to develop hands-on skills, express creativity, and continue their journey toward becoming college- and career-ready.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to providing opportunities for Montana’s skilled trades students. We look forward to seeing the incredible sculptures your students will bring to the conference.
Warm regards,
SkillsUSA Montana
