More than 160 automotive students from across Clark County, Nevada recently 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 (ACA) 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-degree 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 new hands-on activation designed to bring automotive students closer to the industry in an exciting, high-energy way.