The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge returns to Rome on Oct. 22, with construction students from high schools across 14 counties competing in trade events that include masonry. The event starts at 8 a.m. at the Forum River Center, 301 Tribune St.
The Associated General Contractors of Georgia is partnering with Duffey Southeast Inc. and RaLin to host the competition. It is one of eight regional Skills Challenge events in Georgia, which together are expected to involve more than 2,300 students from over 100 schools.
At the Rome event, students will compete in Blueprint Reading, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Metal Studs and Drywall, Plumbing, TeamWorks, Welding, and Welding Fabrication. Organizers expect more than 200 students to compete, plus more than 100 additional students observing with an eye on future participation.
Dan Baker, CEO of Duffey Southeast, said the partnership reflects a shared focus on workforce development and early engagement with students. AGC Georgia CEO Zach Fields pointed to growing interest in hands-on careers and said the event helps highlight options such as apprenticeships, technical colleges, relevant four-year degree programs, and direct entry into the workforce.
For mason contractors, events like this are a direct look at the next wave of talent. If you are hiring or planning for retirements, it is a smart time to connect with local construction programs, volunteer to support a masonry station, and build relationships with instructors. The students who compete are already practicing jobsite basics, reading plans, working to layouts, and performing under time limits and quality checks.
Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in several categories, including masonry, can earn a bid to the SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Competition set for March 11 to 13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Read the full, original article from Coosa Valley News here.