Emma Stanford in MSUN's Welding building

Madyson Warburton

Madyson Warburton always knew she wanted to work with her hands. Growing up in Havre and Malta, Montana, she was surrounded by welding—from her father, who worked as a mechanic/welder, to other family members who had built careers in the trade. It was only natural that she gravitated toward the craft herself.

Throughout high school, Madyson immersed herself in welding, taking four years of classes to develop her skills. She loved the process—the precision, the problem-solving, and the sense of accomplishment that came with every completed project. When it came time to decide on her next steps after graduation, the choice was clear: MSU-Northern’s welding program was the perfect fit.

“It’s close to home, and it has a great welding program,” Madyson said. “It was a good place to start and keep learning.”

Now in her second year at Northern, Madyson has continued to build on her foundation, gaining hands-on experience and refining her technique. She appreciates the opportunities the program has provided and the supportive learning environment that has helped her grow.

“It’s been pretty great. I’ve learned a lot this year and last year,” she said. “I’m really grateful for the experience.”

Looking ahead, Madyson hopes to start her career in a welding shop or with a welding company, applying her skills in the field and continuing to learn from those around her. While welding remains a male-dominated industry, she encourages other women to explore the trades and not be discouraged by traditional expectations.

“It’s definitely worth trying,” Madyson said. “It’s something fun to learn, and women should explore these fields even though they’ve been mostly male-dominated. You never know what you might enjoy until you try it.”

For Madyson, choosing MSU-Northern wasn’t just about convenience—it was about finding the best place to pursue her passion. Right in her backyard, she discovered the training and support she needed to turn her love for welding into a career. And with her determination and skill, she’s well on her way to making a name for herself in the industry.

Find out more about the MSUN Welding Technology program!