3rd Annual West Georgia Skills Challenge held in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — More than 100 high school students from 15 counties gathered in Columbus to showcase their skills in a hands-on construction contest.

The event brought together students, teachers, and industry professionals to highlight career opportunities in the construction trades — from carpentry and electrical work to masonry, plumbing, welding, blueprint reading, and cabinet making.

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“This event is really a rally point between young people and the commercial construction industry,” said Zach Fields, executive vice president and incoming CEO of the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. “On the surface, we’re hosting a competition, but it’s also about connecting contractors, vendors, and future workers.”

Joshua Tracy, a construction teacher at Harris County High School, said the competition offers students more than just a chance to test their skills.

“The main importance to me here is real career opportunities,” Tracy said. “These local businesses not only support and provide materials for the competition — they’re also offering jobs to participants.”

Students said the event gave them valuable hands-on experience and a glimpse of their future careers.

“In my future, I want to help build better homes and buildings and hopefully innovate new techniques that improve stability during storms and hurricanes, especially in places like Florida,” said Triston Rumme, a senior at Jordan Vocational High School and Career Academy.

Kourtney Brown, a senior at Harris County High School, said the competition is already opening doors.

“I feel like I’m working toward my future,” Brown said. “Coming to these competitions, I got a job — I’m really working on my future.”

The event was part of the Associated General Contractors of Georgia’s ongoing efforts to encourage workforce development and connect young talent with real-world opportunities in the construction industry.