Georgia high school students compete for construction honors and careers at skills challenge

Natalie Wade came to Rome, Georgia, hoping to win a plumbing competition. She left with first place and a working future already taking shape.The Adairsville High School student has a job lined up with Atlanta-based mechanical contractor McKenney's before she graduates. She says the opportunity includes paid work and help covering her trade education."I wanted that stability right out of high school," Wade said.She was among about 300 high school students participating in a skills challenge organized by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia. Students competed individually and in teams in trades including plumbing, drywall, carpentry and masonry.The setting had the pressure of a sporting event: a clock running, competitors concentrating, and judges examining the results. But beyond the awards, the competition offered a chance to demonstrate skills construction employers need.Wade's assignment involved installing the plumbing for a sink and washing machine. Judges checked measur