MOULTRIE-The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) is partnering with JCI Contractors to host construction students from high schools in 33 local counties for the South + Southwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Sunbelt AG Expo (290-G Harper Blvd.).

This Skills Challenge is one of eight regional events held throughout Georgia that will host over 2,300 students from nearly 100 schools. Competitions held at the South + Southwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge are: Blueprint Reading, Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing, Team Build and Welding.

“As one of the host contractors, we are delighted to collaborate with the local industry and AGC Georgia in advancing careers in construction and providing our future with job security,” said Lyndy Jones, President of JCI Contractors.

With over 200 students participating in the South + Southwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge, several hundred additional students will observe in hopes of competing in the future. These students will also benefit from conversations with construction industry professionals who host interactive activities for students to become more familiar with specific construction trades.

“Skills Challenges offer high school students in construction programs a chance to showcase their trade talents in an exciting atmosphere compared to a ‘game day’,” AGC Georgia CEO Mike Dunham said. “For most participants, this event provides a ‘game day atmosphere’ experience where they may even receive job offers from industry representatives in attendance. Each year, we are honored to collaborate with outstanding member contracting firms to highlight rewarding career opportunities in construction to both student competitors and observers.”

Students from construction programs in the following counties are invited to compete in the South + Southwest Georgia Workforce Development Alliance’s Skills Challenge: Atkinson, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brooks, Calhoun, Charlton, Clay, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Echols, Grady, Irwin, Lanier, Lee, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman, Randolph, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Ware and Worth.

Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing and welding at this event are eligible to earn a bid to the State Leadership and Skills Competition (SLSC) that will be held in February 2025.

For more information about Skills Challenges, please visit www.agcga.org/skills.