(Media release from the Associated General Contractors of Georgia):
The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) partnered with Duffey Southeast Inc. to host construction students from 12-area high schools for the Northwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance Skills Challenge. The competitions were held on Nov. 1 at Polk County College and Career Academy (167 Frank Lott Dr., Cedartown, Ga.). This event was one of seven regional events held throughout the state.
Competitions at this Skills Challenge were held in the following categories: blueprint reading, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, TeamWorks and welding.
“Our team is proud to be the host contractor for this event with the support of many industry firms that are serving as sponsors,” said Dan Baker, CEO of Duffey Southeast Inc. “Beyond inspiring the competitors, we hope to educate students on the numerous career path opportunities available to them in the construction industry.”
In addition to more than 100 competitors who participated in this event, another 100 students attended as observers to learn the process in hopes of competing in future years. Local industry companies provide volunteer judges for each of the skills competitions, as well as the volunteers who offer hands-on activities for student observers. These activities help students become more familiar with specific construction trades.
“AGC Georgia is partnering with regional contractors to host Skills Challenges in seven cities around the state,” said AGC Georgia CEO Mike Dunham. “This series provides an opportunity for high school students to showcase what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it through competition. It’s rewarding to have competitors’ parents, their construction teachers and school counselors, as well as academic and community leaders attend to see all the excitement surrounding today’s construction industry.”
Students from the following construction programs competed in the Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge: Adairsville High School, Carrollton High School, Chattooga High School, Floyd County Schools College and Career Academy, Gordon Central High School, Harris County High School, Lanier College & Career Academy,
Lee County High School, Northwest Whitfield High School, Polk County College and Career Academy, Cedartown High School, Rockmart High School and Rome High School.
This event also prepares students who go on to compete in the regional SkillsUSA event in January. Winners of that regional event will participate in the state SkillsUSA competition in late February at the Georgia World Congress Center.
For more information about Skills Challenges, please visit www.agcga.org/skills.
