Chattooga County Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) students are set to showcase their construction prowess this week as they participate in the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge. The event, hosted by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) along with Duffey Southeast, Inc. and RaLin, will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, starting at 8:00 a.m. at the Rome River Center.

This regional competition is a significant part of a statewide initiative, gathering over 200 high school construction students from 14 counties across Northwest Georgia. It’s one of eight regional Skills Challenges organized by AGC Georgia, collectively engaging more than 2,000 students from over 100 schools statewide. The overall goal is to highlight how students are being prepared to meet the growing demands of Georgia’s construction workforce.

Chattooga County students will be among the more than 200 competitors demonstrating their expertise in a range of trades, including Blueprint Reading, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Metal Studs/Drywall, Plumbing, TeamWorks, Welding, and Welding Fabrication. An additional 100 students will attend the event to observe and gain valuable insight into the industry, fostering an early interest in construction careers.

Success at the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge offers participants a crucial stepping stone: a chance to qualify for the prestigious SkillsUSA Georgia State Leadership and Skills Competition, scheduled for February 2026. Local instructors play an invaluable role in preparing these students, imparting the practical, real-world skills necessary to excel in these demanding competitions and, ultimately, in their future careers.

The Skills Challenge serves as a powerful testament to the dedication of both students and educators in cultivating the next generation of skilled tradespeople. By providing a platform for hands-on application and competitive display of talent, the event ensures a robust pipeline of qualified professionals ready to build Georgia’s future.