Sparks to Fly: Moriarty High Prepared to Host 4th Annual “Blue Collar Tour”

MORIARTY, NM — The roar of a custom tour bus and the bright flash of welding arcs are set to return to Moriarty High School (MHS) next month. On February 20, 2026, the MHS Main Gym will transform into a high-energy industrial arena for the Blue Collar Tour, marking the event’s fourth consecutive year in the “Land of Enchantment.”

From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, the tour will host a massive gathering of future tradespeople. In addition to Moriarty’s own welding students, the event is expected to welcome students from up to nine surrounding schools, all looking to explore high-skill, high-reward career paths in the trades.

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A Gateway to the Trades

Sponsored by ESAB University in collaboration with Western Welding Academy and CRC Industries, the tour is a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling the critical shortage of skilled labor in America. By bringing a “concert-style” atmosphere to vocational education, the tour makes the world of welding accessible and exciting for the next generation.

“The purpose of the Blue Collar Tour is to bring awareness to the skilled labor shortage in the US today,” organizers stated. “We want to show students that choosing a trade is a path to a strong, successful future.”

What to Expect at the MHS Main Gym

The event is designed to be fully immersive, moving beyond traditional career day presentations to provide actual hands-on experience.

• Live Demonstrations: Students will watch professional instructors from Western Welding Academy showcase advanced techniques.
• Hands-on Welding: Attendees will have the chance to try TIG or Stick welding using the ESAB Renegade VOLT ES 200i, a cutting-edge, battery-powered welder.
• “Best Bead” Contest: Local students can put their skills to the test in a welding competition, with the chance to win professional-grade automatic helmets.
• Massive Giveaways: The tour travels with a trailer full of over $50,000 in “swag” and tools, including hoodies, t-shirts, and welding posters.
• School Support: As part of the stop, Moriarty High will receive a Victor oxy-acetylene outfit to help equip its campus workshop for future students.

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Bridging the Gap

With the 2026 tour visiting 31 schools across 21 states, the stop in Moriarty remains a highlight of the Southwest leg. For students in Socorro County and the East Mountains, the event provides a direct line to industry professionals and application engineers who can share real-world advice on starting a career without the weight of traditional four-year college debt.

As Western Welding Academy—a premier school based in Gillette, Wyoming—brings its 960-hour pipe welding expertise to Moriarty, the message is simple: the hands that build America are the hands that will lead it into the future.

Moriarty High School to Host National “Blue Collar Tour” for 4th Consecutive Year

MORIARTY, NM — February 20, 2026 — Moriarty High School (MHS) is proud to announce the return of the Blue Collar Tour, a high-energy national initiative dedicated to promoting skilled trades and addressing the workforce shortage in America. For the fourth year in a row, the tour will transform the MHS Main Gym into a premier industrial showcase on February 20th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The event brings together Western Welding Academy, ESAB, and CRC Industries to provide students with an immersive look into the world of professional welding. This year’s stop is expected to draw students from nine surrounding schools, joining Moriarty’s own welding program for a morning of hands-on demonstrations and career mentorship.

“The Blue Collar Tour is more than just a demonstration; it’s about showing the next generation that the trades offer a path to a stable, high-paying, and fulfilling career,” said Cole Andes, Moriarty High School Welding Instructor. “Bringing this level of industry expertise directly to our students for the fourth year speaks to the strength of our local vocational programs and our commitment to building a stronger workforce.”

Event Highlights Include:

• Hands-on Skill Building: Students will have the opportunity to use the ESAB Renegade VOLT ES 200i, a cutting-edge battery-powered welder, for TIG and Stick welding demonstrations.
• “Best Bead” Contest: Local students will compete in a welding skills challenge for the chance to win professional-grade automatic welding helmets.
• Industry Giveaways: The tour features over $50,000 in total prizes and “swag,” including hoodies, t-shirts, and tools designed to engage and inspire young fabricators.
• Program Investment: In support of local education, Moriarty High School will receive a Victor oxy-acetylene outfit as a permanent addition to its welding shop.

The Blue Collar Tour is currently on a 31-stop journey across 21 states, reaching thousands of students and generating millions of social media impressions. By highlighting the pride and craftsmanship of blue-collar work, the tour aims to bridge the gap in the American labor market one school at a time.

Members of the press are invited to attend the event to capture the live demonstrations and interview student participants and industry professionals.

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About Moriarty High School Welding: Moriarty High School offers a comprehensive vocational program designed to equip students with real-world skills in welding and fabrication, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or advanced technical training.