ATLANTA, GA — The Associated General Contractors of Georgia (AGC Georgia) announces the dates for the 2026 Skills Challenge Series, a workforce development event designed to showcase the skills and talents of construction students from high schools across Georgia. Taking place in eight regions throughout the state, this series provides students with opportunities to compete in core construction trades while demonstrating their abilities to industry professionals.
2026 AGC Georgia Skills Challenge Series dates and locations:
- October 21 - Northeast Georgia Skills Challenge | Gainesville
- October 22 - Northwest Georgia Skills Challenge | Rome
- October 29 - Central Georgia Skills Challenge | Perry
- November 4 - West Georgia Skills Challenge | Columbus
- November 5 - South + Southwest Georgia Skills Challenge | Moultrie
- November 10 - Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge | Marietta
- November 11 - Southeast Georgia Skills Challenge | Statesboro
- November 19 - East Georgia Skills Challenge | Augusta
The 2026 Skills Challenge Series features competitions in blueprint reading, cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, TeamWorks, welding, and welding fabrication. Additional categories such as broadcast news production, heavy equipment operations, HVAC, metal studs/drywall, roofing, and sheet metal are offered at select locations. These events provide students with hands-on experiences, opportunities to test their skills against their peers, and direct engagement with industry professionals who volunteer their time to mentor Georgia's future construction workforce.
"The Skills Challenge Series is more than a competition. It is an investment in the future of Georgia's construction workforce," AGC Georgia CEO Zach Fields said. "Each year, students demonstrate an impressive level of dedication and professionalism while gaining exposure to rewarding, high-paying construction careers that can be entered without the burden of student debt. Their participation highlights the strength of Georgia's emerging talent pipeline and the vital role skilled trades will continue to play in supporting our state's growth and prosperity."
| Your local Topcon Positioning Systems Inc dealer |
|---|
| Linder Industrial Machinery |
In 2025, the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge Series welcomed more than 2,300 student competitors and observers representing 108 schools, along with nearly 350 industry firms. The strong turnout reflects growing interest in construction careers among young people, particularly among members of what many call "Generation Toolbelt," a new wave of students seeking hands-on learning experiences. As awareness continues to grow about the earning potential in high-demand skilled trades, the construction industry's commitment to workforce development is helping drive increased enrollment in apprenticeships and career and technical education programs.
These workforce development events are made possible through the support of industry leaders and the dedication of regional contractors who contribute countless volunteer hours to their success. This year's host contractors include Ace Electric Inc., Batson-Cook Construction, Brasfield & Gorrie, Carroll Daniel, Choate Construction Company, Dabbs Williams, Duffey Southeast Inc., Freeman & Associates, GoldMech, JCI Contractors, MetroPower, Parrish Construction Group Inc., R. W. Allen Construction, RaLin, Silver Sheet Metal Inc., and West Construction Company.
In addition to the competitions, the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge Series attracts a wide range of stakeholders including state legislators, school superintendents, high school counselors, mayors, school board members, and leaders from the Georgia Department of Education, Technical College System of Georgia, SkillsUSA Georgia, and workforce development industry partner, Construction Ready. Their involvement highlights the collaboration around the importance of skilled trades education in meeting Georgia's economic and infrastructure needs.
Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in cabinetmaking, carpentry, electrical, masonry, plumbing, TeamWorks, welding, and welding fabrication are eligible to earn a bid to SkillsUSA Georgia’s State Leadership and Skills Conference, which will be held from March 11-13, 2027, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
