More than 200 students representing 23 schools and nine counties took part in a construction skills challenge in Marietta Tuesday. The contests included hammering and welding, giving students a practical introduction to construction work and possible careers in the industry.
Zach Fields, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of Georgia, said the challenge is intended to help high school students explore career options, demonstrate their abilities and meet potential employers while they are still in school. He described young people interested in hands-on work as part of a “toolbelt generation.”
Fields said Georgia’s construction skills challenges have grown from one competition to eight statewide. The Cobb County competition has also grown large enough that organizers moved it outdoors.
Ariela Vega, 17, is already pursuing a trade while finishing her senior year. Her win in a national HVAC skills competition led to an apprenticeship with MaxAir. Vega said she chose the trades seeking work she would enjoy as well as financial stability, and hopes to become an HVAC technician people can rely on.
Tyler Bailey of Brassfield & Gore said the competitions have expanded quickly in the years since he was a student, when they were smaller than they are now.
Marcus Jones
News Now Georgia
