The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) is partnering with Batson-Cook Construction, Freeman & Associates and MetroPower to host construction students from high schools in 15 local counties for the West Georgia Skills Challenge. The event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at The Columbus Convention and Trade Center (801 Front Avenue).

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 West Georgia Skills Challenge are: Blueprint Reading, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operations, Masonry, Plumbing, TeamWorks, Welding and Welding Fabrication.

With over 100 students participating in the West Georgia Skills Challenge, over one 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 receive priority registration to compete in the West Georgia Skills Challenge: Chattahoochee, Coweta, Harris, Heard, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Pike, Schley, Stewart, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, Upson and Webster.

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 http://www.agcga.org/wgskills.