Justin Nitka, a Blackhawk Welding student, received a silver medal on Wednesday for his second-place finish in the Technical College division for Welding at the 50^th Annual SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference.

Two other Blackhawk Welding students, Monique Addison and Tanner Christopherson, also competed in the welding category and were among more than 1,800 middle, high school and college students who were involved in more than 80 competitions, including 3D printing and design, action skills, diesel equipment technology, additive manufacturing, advertising design, electrical construction wiring. 

Nitka, 19, is a graduate of Craig High School in Janesville and is expected to graduate from Blackhawk’s Welding program at the end of this summer. Nitka also is a student worker in Blackhawk’s welding lab, which is located at the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Milton.

“I was encouraged to compete by my instructor, Nick Mauer,” Nitka said. “I like Blackhawk’s welding program because of the flexibility to learn at my own pace.”

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry leaders working to ensure communities have a skilled workforce. The organization provides educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in Wisconsin and nationwide.

Left to right: Justin Nikta, Monique Addison and Tanner Christopherson