Student Aftermarket Day 2025: Showcasing the best of auto care
The 2025 Student Aftermarket Day was a tremendous success! On November 19, 2025, the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), together with its Young Professionals in the Auto Care Sector (YPA) Committee, hosted a dynamic Career showcase and a series of informative sessions. Students explored an auto care sector that employs nearly 500,000 Canadians, gained insights into the future of the industry, and connected with influential leaders during the Career Showcase.
Jean-François Champagne, CAE, president and CEO of AIA Canada, opened the event with an engaging session focused on successfully navigating Canada’s evolving auto care sector.
Shortly after, students took part in best-in-class live presentations and the Career showcase, where they shared their ideas, connected with industry partners, and gained a deeper understanding of what it is truly like to work in the auto care sector.
Following lunch, students heard from three alumni of the Automotive Business School of Canada (ABSC), who spoke about their career journeys after graduation. Presented by Kari Hann of Specialty Sales & Marketing, the session offered students valuable insight into the diverse opportunities within the auto care sector.
Following the panel, students were introduced to the wide range of niche careers available within the auto care sector. The session Day in the life: Careers you never knew existed in the auto care sector highlighted the unique and often unexpected paths that industry professionals have taken. From digital innovation and leadership development to customer engagement, students discovered the many dynamic ways individuals contribute to and build rewarding careers in the industry.
Soon after, the Best-in-class presentation winners were announced, where Michael Artuso, Wyatt Brown, Colin Downey, where their presentation focused on how the industry can utilize technology to accommodate the behaviours and attitudes Generation Z has towards vehicle maintenance and repair.
Student Aftermarket Day ended with more networking and exciting prize draws. Until next year!