Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge Returns to Rome Oct. 22

ROME– High school students from across Northwest Georgia will test their construction skills in Rome on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge will take place at The Forum River Center at 301 Tribune St. It is part of the Associated General Contractors of Georgia’s 2026 Skills Challenge Series, which includes eight regional competitions statewide.

Rome Competition Schedule

Competitor check-in begins at 8 a.m. Next, organizers will welcome students at 8:45 a.m. and begin orientation at 9:15.

Competition runs from 9:15 until 11:30 a.m. Afterward, the awards ceremony begins at 1:15 p.m. Organizers expect the event to conclude at 2:30 p.m.

Students Compete in Skilled Trades

Competitions include blueprint reading, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical work, and masonry. In addition, students may enter metal studs and drywall, plumbing, TeamWorks, welding, or welding fabrication.

Students will complete hands-on projects under competition conditions. Judges will evaluate their technical knowledge, workmanship, safety practices, and overall performance.

Meanwhile, students can meet construction professionals and explore skilled-trade careers.

Fourteen Counties Receive Priority Registration

High school construction programs in 14 Northwest Georgia counties receive priority registration.

The region includes Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, and Gilmer counties. It also includes Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.

Meanwhile, qualifying SkillsUSA Georgia members can earn an opportunity to compete at the organization’s statewide conference. The State Leadership and Skills Conference runs March 11 through 13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Eligible categories include cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, TeamWorks, welding, and welding fabrication. However, students must confirm their SkillsUSA membership and complete the required competition registration by Oct. 2.

Industry Partners Support Rome Competition

AGC Georgia, Duffey Southeast, RaLin, SkillsUSA Georgia, participating schools, and industry supporters present the Rome competition.

Organizers also need industry professionals to serve as judges and provide hands-on demonstrations. In addition, professionals can host career exhibits or help sponsor the event.

Businesses may also donate materials for the competitions. Additionally, contributions beyond event expenses may support construction and metals classrooms across Northwest Georgia.

Statewide Series Builds Georgia’s Workforce

In 2025, the statewide Skills Challenge Series welcomed more than 2,300 competitors and observers from 108 schools. Nearly 350 construction-industry firms also participated.

This year, Gainesville opens the series on Oct. 21. The Rome competition follows on Oct. 22.

Then, the series continues in Perry, Columbus, Moultrie, Marietta, Statesboro, and Augusta.

Finally, registration details, the complete Rome schedule, and support opportunities are available through AGC Georgia’s Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge page.

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