The automotive aftermarket will soon receive more opportunities to "help increase and retain the talent pool for the automotive aftermarket industry," according to a press release from the Auto Care Association, co-owner of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX.)

AAPEX 2022, which is a trade-only event and closed to the public, takes place Nov. 1 to Nov. 3 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, is introducing two initiatives, the Student Sponsorship Program and Sponsor a Tech program.

The goal of the Student Sponsorship Program is to "ultimately nourish the industry with young talent by introducing students to AAPEX and educating them on the benefits and career opportunities in the industry," according to the release. AAPEX will coordinate with select colleges, universities and industry organizations to identify students with plans to work in Business, Engineering and Service and Repair. Those students will then be invited to apply for the program, and AAPEX co-owner associations – the Auto Care Association and the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) – will make the final selection. Students will be sponsored by an AAPEX exhibiting company and receive a complimentary package to attend and participate in this year’s event.

Meanwhile, the Sponsor a Tech program encourages exhibiting companies and warehouse distributors to invite technicians to AAPEX. Those technicians will receive a scholarship package to AAPEX to participate in hands-on training and live demos, visit the show floor to see new products and technologies, and attend keynote sessions and special networking events.

For more information on these programs, contact Bill Glasgow of AAPEX event management at [email protected]. For more information on AAPEX, visit www.aapexshow.com or e-mail: [email protected]. On social media, follow AAPEX at #AAPEX22.