LAS VEGAS – September 9, 2025 – Among the many changes AAPEX is rolling out to improve this year’s show is a new Student Engine Assembly Competition. The competition is a timed event where teams of vocational students will race to disassemble and reassemble a Chevy 350 engine. 

The competition will take place on the show floor in “Joe’s Garage.” Joe’s Garage is a staple attraction at AAPEX because it maintains 10 fully operational vehicle lifts that are used for educational and demonstration purposes throughout the show.

How to apply to compete

While the competition was originally announced in July, we’ve received several more inquiries about registering now that students are back in school for the fall. So, we’ve extended the registration deadline to September 15, 2025.

To apply, first form a team comprised of two students and one instructor or advisor. Then submit a video highlighting your team’s skills, teamwork, and drive. The video doesn’t have to be complicated – just authentic – like a “Reel” you might share on a video sharing platform. 

Travel assistance and prizes

AAPEX has secured several sponsors for the competition. This enables AAPEX to provide these competing teams with gratis lodging and $1,000 per team for travel expenses.

There are also prizes lined up for the winning teams. As National Oil and Lube News recently pointed out in a piece about the upcoming show:

“The first-place prize will include a full toolbox valued between $1,300 and $1,500, plus an additional $1,000 for purchasing tools. The second prize is a smaller tool set, with other prizes for all other competing teams.”

The competition’s sponsors include the following:

• AutoZone, Inc.;
• Dorman Products;
• Euro Clinic;
• Milwaukee Tool; 
• Motor Age Training; and 
• Ratchet+Wrench.

Competition serves a greater purpose

The competition is a fun way to raise awareness about a serious issue: the labor shortage among auto technicians. Estimates suggest the U.S. is short tens of thousands of auto techs, despite open positions and good pay. For example, a survey by WrenchWay puts the median annual auto technician compensation at more than $90,000. 

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Credential media are eligible to receive complimentary passes to AAPEX 2025, which is being held in Las Vegas from November 4-6, 2025. If you are new to AAPEX, start here; if you’ve received a media pass in the past, you can renew here.

Questions? Send them to [email protected].

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Image credit: Milwaukee Tool