ROME– The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge will bring more than 200 student competitors to Rome on Thursday, Oct. 22.
The Associated General Contractors of Georgia, known as AGC Georgia, is partnering with Duffey Southeast, Inc. and RaLin to host the event. High school construction programs in Floyd, Chattooga, and 12 other counties are among those invited to participate.
Competitor check-in begins at 8 a.m. Eastern at the Forum River Center, 301 Tribune Street. The event also gives students opportunities to meet industry professionals and explore construction careers.
Students Compete Across 10 Construction Categories
Competitions include blueprint reading, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, and masonry. Students can also compete in metal studs/drywall, plumbing, TeamWorks, welding, and welding fabrication.
Additional students will attend as observers, giving them a look at competitions they may enter in the future. In addition, construction professionals will lead interactive activities introducing students to different trades and career pathways.
Dan Baker, CEO of Duffey Southeast, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to workforce development. He also emphasized the value of reaching students early.
“By engaging students early, we can help inspire the next generation of construction professionals and support the long-term success of our industry,” Baker said.
AGC Georgia CEO Zach Fields described the students as part of “Generation Toolbelt,” a generation seeking hands-on career opportunities. He said the challenge also highlights apprenticeships, technical colleges, relevant four-year degree programs, and direct entry into the workforce.
Floyd and Chattooga Among 14 Invited Counties
Organizers invited construction programs from Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, and Gilmer counties. The invitation also includes Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties.
Eligible Students Can Advance to State Competition
The Rome event also offers a qualifying opportunity for students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia.
Eligible categories include cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, TeamWorks, welding, and welding fabrication. Students must also meet membership and qualifier registration requirements for their home region.
SkillsUSA Georgia lists the top three finishers per region for advancement in cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical construction wiring, masonry, plumbing, and welding. Meanwhile, the first-place TeamWorks and welding fabrication teams can advance.
For example, cabinetmaking and welding fabrication involve school projects brought to the event for judging. TeamWorks combines prefabrication with work completed on competition day.
The state event is scheduled for March 11–13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Part of a Statewide Workforce Initiative
The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge is one of eight regional events across Georgia. Together, organizers expect the series to involve more than 2,300 students from more than 100 schools.
Industry partners also support the challenge by judging contests, hosting interactive activities, and providing competition materials.
AGC Georgia also invites visitors to watch students compete. Its event calendar encourages industry representatives to arrive around 10 a.m. Eastern to see students at work.
For more information, visit AGC Georgia’s Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge page. Event contact Laura Potts, AGC Georgia’s director of member engagement and workforce, can also provide information at 678-453-7385.
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