The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo has unveiled details behind the new student engine assembly competition at this year’s event in a recent press release.
Teams of vocational students, who are training to be auto technicians, will race to disassemble and reassemble a Chevy 350 engine. The timed event will take place in Joe’s Garage, with 10 fully operational service bays. Each team will be provided with the same professional tools and evaluation standards.
Additionally, all competing teams will be provided with complimentary access to AAPEX 2025, gratis lodging and $1,000 per team for travel expenses.
Teams will be composed of three people – two students and one instructor. Students must be high school graduates (or equivalent) and enrolled in a vocational school or technical training program for aspiring auto technicians.
Prizes will include a $1,000 Snap-On gift card and a Premium Milwaukee M112 Fuel Ratchet Combo Kit.
To apply, teams must make a short video and submit it through the AAPEX student competition registration page. Up to eight teams will be chosen by a panel of judges, who will also officiate the student competition.
The competition is being supported by Ratchet+Wrench, Motor Age Training, AutoZone, Inc., Dorman Products, Milwaukee Tool, and Euro Clinic.
“In a sense, this is good news for students aiming to lay the groundwork for their future careers,” said Bernard Tansey, competition judge and owner of Euro Clinic, an independent repair shop based in Santa Clara, California. “There are many employers with immediate openings, with great pay and benefits and just entering the student competition demonstrates the initiative hiring managers most desire in job candidates. It demonstrates that a candidate is investing in themselves.”
