Mikala Sposito Earned Bronze at WorldSkills

Sposito became the first female U.S. medalist in welding history at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Job Fairs

Mikala Sposito Earned Bronze at WorldSkills

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Mikala Sposito secured a bronze medal in welding at the 2026 WorldSkills competition in Shanghai. She is the first female competitor to represent the United States in the discipline and the first female American medalist in the event.

Why it matters

The achievement marks a significant breakthrough for women in the skilled trades, highlighting the competitive caliber of American welders on the international stage. Sposito's performance follows an intensive preparation process that has elevated the profile of U.S. technical training.

Sposito secured her place on Team USA by placing first among three finalists at the March 2026 trials. She completed seven months of intensive preparation to compete against international peers.

The players

Mikala Sposito

She is the first female welding competitor to represent the United States and win a medal at the WorldSkills competition.

Alex Pazkowski

He is the coach who guided Sposito to the bronze medal and a former WorldSkills silver medalist from 2013.

American Welding Society

The organization responsible for hosting the selection events that determine the U.S. team members for international welding competitions.

The details

Sposito qualified for the team through American Welding Society events that tested technical execution, precision, and craftsmanship under strict time limits. She was coached by Alex Pazkowski, who himself earned a silver medal for the U.S. in 2013.

1997: Glenn Kay represented the United States at WorldSkills.
1999: Ray Connolly won a WorldSkills Gold Medal.
2011: Brad Clink represented the United States at WorldSkills.
2013: Alex Pazkowski won a silver medal at WorldSkills.
March 2026: Sposito earned a place on Team USA.

Market Landscape

This podium finish updates the competitive history of the U.S. delegation at WorldSkills, moving beyond the results last seen during the 2013 Leipzig competition. It establishes a new benchmark for gender representation within the traditionally male-dominated field of international welding.

Sposito's success serves as a practical demonstration of the high-level technical craftsmanship fostered through modern vocational training programs. Aspiring welders can view this as proof of the professional opportunities available for those who excel in specialized, high-demand manual trades.

The takeaway

Sposito's journey, which began at a local Maker Faire at age 10, illustrates the long-term impact that early exposure to technical skills can have on professional success. Her performance serves as an inspiration for students to engage with hands-on trade programs in their local communities.