The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) is partnering with Duffey  Southeast, Inc. and RaLin to host construction students from high schools in 14 local counties for the Northwest  Georgia Skills Challenge. The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Forum River Center (301 Tribune Street). 

This Skills Challenge is one of eight regional events held throughout Georgia that will host over 2,300 students from  over 100 schools. Competitions held at the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge are: Blueprint Reading, Cabinetmaking,  Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Metal Studs/Drywall, Plumbing, TeamWorks, Welding, and Welding Fabrication.  

“Partnering with AGC Georgia, RaLin and our industry colleagues to host this event reflects our shared dedication to  workforce development. By engaging students early, we can help inspire the next generation of construction  professionals and support the long-term success of our industry,” said Dan Baker, CEO of Duffey Southeast, Inc. 

With over 200 students participating in the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge, over 100 hundred additional students  will observe in hopes of competing in the future. In addition to the competitions, students will have the opportunity to  engage with construction industry professionals who lead interactive activities designed to introduce participants to a  variety of construction trades and career pathways. 

“As “Generation Toolbelt” continues to seek hands-on career opportunities, events like the Skills Challenge showcase  participants’ talent and enthusiasm while supporting quality career pathways such as apprenticeships, technical  colleges, relevant four-year degree programs and direct entry into the workforce that is helping build our state,” said  AGC Georgia CEO Zach Fields. 

Students from construction programs in the following counties are invited to compete in the Northwest Georgia 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 Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry,  Plumbing, TeamWorks, Welding and Welding Fabrication at this event are eligible to earn a bid to the SkillsUSA Georgia  State Leadership and Skills Competition (SLSC) that will be held on March 11-13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress  Center. 

For more information about Skills Challenges, please visit www.agcga.org/nwskills.