Student Engine Assembly Competition Highlights at AAPEX 2025
Key Highlights
- The competition featured live disassembly and reassembly of a Chevy 350 engine on the AAPEX show floor.
- Teams included an instructor and two student technicians, representing different educational levels and backgrounds.
- NKC schools' team (first place) finished disassembling in 31 minutes, after reassembling the engine - the whole process took a total of 1 hour and 44 minutes.
- Prizes included Milwaukee tool kits valued at up to $1,300 and a $1,000 gift card for tools, encouraging student participation.
- The event provided students with industry visibility and practical experience, fostering future automotive careers.
On November 5, 2025 automotive students skills were tested in the Student Engine Assembly Competition. In this brand-new event - hosted by Joe's Garage at AAPEX in Las Vegas, Nevada - three technical schools were chosen to dismantle and reassemble a Chevy 350 engine live on the show floor. Each team consisted of an instructor and two student technicians.
The Winners: NKC schools - High school juniors, Adrian and Trem
2nd Place: Automotive Training Institute- College age students
3rd Place: CSN- College of Southern Nevada, a former bartender and army vet
The winners - NKC schools - finished disassembling their engine within 31 minutes, after reassembling the whole process took a total of one hour and 44 minutes.
First place won a Premium Milwaukee M112 Fuel Ratchet Combo Kit, a customizable worktop, and more valued at $1,300. Plus, a $1000 gift card for tools. While second place won a Premium Milwaukee M12 Fuel Ratchet Combo Kit valued at $500.
This event was great for all students, helping them to get noticed by those on the show floor.