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How one Central Georgia organization is preparing students for careers in trade industries

It's a day for students to compete and meet current professionals to nail down a job in the workforce.

MACON, Ga. — Construction trade workers are in demand. Almost 150 high school students hammered, drilled and sawed their way to possible jobs at today's Central Georgia Workforce Development Skills Challenge. Students competed in various construction tasks.

"I'm doing blueprint reading, which I haven't done before,” Senior Shivan Patel said. “It's my first time here. So, we'll see how it goes."

Doors are being built and opened for students who want careers in construction. Associated General Contractors of Georgia CEO Mike Durham said this annual competition is a great way to expose students to post graduation possibilities.

"We do this event so we can show young men and women that this is a high demand, high paying career,” he said. “We're trying to let the moms and dads know that not everybody has to go to college. So, this is just a great opportunity for them to come and demonstrate what they've learned in their classrooms. Get an environment of competition."

Sophomore Natalie Wade is competing at the plumbing station. She said for her learning the trade is exciting and gets her brain going.

"Any time I make mistakes, I take that and learn from it,” she said. “So, like last competition I broke my washing machine box, so I know not to break it this time."

Durham said Thursday’s competitors represent schools in 26 counties. Patel said he can see himself working in construction.

"My sophomore year, I did not think I'd find myself at Skills USA Competition, but here I am,” he said. “So, I guess it grew on me."

It's also a day for students to meet current professionals to nail down a job in the workforce.

Wheeler County High School is the winner of today's skills challenge competition. They will move forward to compete in the Skills USA competition in February.

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