High school students from Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia are putting their technical skills to the test today as the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge takes place at the Forum River Center in Rome.

The competition, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, brings together more than 200 students from 14 Northwest Georgia counties to demonstrate their abilities in construction-related trades.

The event is sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia in partnership with Duffey Southeast, Inc. and RaLin Construction.

Students from Chattooga, Floyd, Walker, Gordon, Dade, Catoosa, Whitfield and other area counties are participating in the competition, which includes events in blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical work, masonry, plumbing, welding and welding fabrication.

The Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge is one of eight regional competitions held across the state, involving more than 2,300 students from over 100 schools.

In addition to competing, students have opportunities to meet construction industry professionals, learn about career opportunities and gain valuable experience in their chosen trades.

Organizers say the event helps introduce students to career pathways in the construction industry while encouraging the development of Georgia’s future skilled workforce.

Chattooga High School has enjoyed success in the competition. Last year, the school captured the Alliance Cup and earned several individual and team awards, including first-place finishes in cabinetmaking, masonry, plumbing, welding and welding fabrication.

Students who earn medals in eligible competitions will have an opportunity to advance to the SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Competition, scheduled for March 11–13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Today’s competition is being held at the Forum River Center, located at 301 Tribune Street in Rom