AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Students from 14 counties attended the East Georgia Skills Challenge at the Georgia Carolina State Fair site in downtown Augusta on Thursday.

Hundreds of students had the opportunity to participate in competitions based on various aspects of construction, including carpentry, cabinet making, electrical, masonry, and other skills.

Students were also able to meet and speak with construction professionals about their careers.

“They, this is their Friday night life,” said Michael Dunham, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. “They come out, they do their very best. They’re demonstrating what they have learned. If they win here, they get to go on to the state competition with SkillsUSA in February. And should they win at the state level, they can go on to the national competition.”

“Most definitely nervous,” said Connar Peterson of Evans High School. “You don’t know what you’re gonna do, you don’t know how you’re gonna all you can do is prepare for it. You’re never gonna be able to prepare fully for it, but you just gotta go in there and do what you can.”

The Associated General Contractors of Georgia partnered with R.W. Allen Construction, Gold Mech, and Silver Sheet Metal to host the event.