November 6, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – More than 160 automotive students from across Clark County got a one-of-a-kind look at the transportation industry during the AAPEX Student Experience, hosted by TechForce Foundation and Carlyle Tools (the private label hand tool brand of NAPA Auto Parts), at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. The event brought young aspiring technicians face-to-face with top creators, employers, tools, and technology shaping the future of the aftermarket.
Students kicked off their day with Tech Feud, a high-energy live game show produced by The Go Game and captained by influencers ChrisFix and Humble Mechanic. Teams of students battled it out on stage, answering real technician-answered questions and competing in a “Name That Shop Sound” segment that had the whole room cheering. The event also featured a Techs Talk Live Q&A, giving students a chance to ask candid questions about careers, training paths, and life in the industry.
The program continued with exclusive access to AAPEX, where students explored demonstrations, emerging technologies, tools, and career pathways on the show floor.
The experience was made possible through generous support from AAPEX, co-owned by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Carlyle Tools played a major role as the event’s primary sponsor, helping shape the concept, support the show setup, and keep the energy high with premium giveaways and an on-site 360° photo booth activation.
“The energy these students brought was unreal,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Experiences like this are what open eyes and open doors. When students meet industry, explore new tech hands-on, and see real career opportunities, it changes everything.”
This was the first year delivering the AAPEX Student Experience, marking a brand-new hands-on activation designed to bring automotive students closer to the industry in an exciting, high-energy way.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. The Foundation supports the technician workforce by awarding more than $6 million each year in scholarships and grants to financially disadvantaged students. TechForce also works to shift public perception of this evolving, high-tech STEM career path and provides hands-on career exploration and workforce development programs in communities across the country. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.
About NAPA Auto Parts
Though nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care, truck, and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025 NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.
About AAPEX
AAPEX represents the more than $2.3 trillion global automotive aftermarket and is co-owned by the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. The annual show in Las Vegas features innovative products, training, technology, and networking for professionals across the industry. Learn more at AAPEXSHOW.com.
