Students to compete in a variety of construction trades at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds

The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) is partnering with Duffey Southeast, Inc. to host construction students from high schools in 14 local counties for the Northwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds (69 Church Street, NW).

This Skills Challenge is one of eight regional events held throughout Georgia that will host over 2,300 students from nearly 100 schools. Competitions held at the Northwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge are: blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, team build and welding. 

“We take pride in partnering with AGC Georgia and the local industry as one of the host contractors, aiming to develop our future workforce and promote careers in construction,” said Dan Baker, CEO of Duffey Southeast, Inc. 

With over 100 students participating in the Northwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge, nearly hundred additional students will observe in hopes of competing in the future. These students will also benefit from conversations with construction industry professionals who host interactive activities for students to become more familiar with specific construction trades. 

“Skills Challenges offer high school students in construction programs a chance to showcase their trade talents in an exciting atmosphere compared to a ‘game day’,” AGC Georgia CEO Mike Dunham said. “For most participants, this event provides a ‘game day atmosphere’ experience where they may even receive job offers from industry representatives in attendance. Each year, we are honored to collaborate with outstanding member contracting firms to highlight rewarding career opportunities in construction to both student competitors and observers.”

Students from construction programs in the following counties are invited to compete in the Northwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge: Bartow, Carroll, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Pickens, Polk, Walker and Whitfield.

Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing and welding at this event are eligible to earn a bid to the State Leadership and Skills Competition (SLSC) that will be held in February 2025.