For Schools, Students, and Instructors
Compete, learn, and explore automotive careers.
The HADA Student Auto Technician Competition gives students the opportunity to demonstrate technical skills, build confidence, meet industry professionals, and explore real career opportunities with Houston-area dealerships. Dealership sponsors cover the cost of this event for school participants and provide hands-on experiences.
Student Benefits
What Students Get
Students participating in the competition will gain:
- Hands-on competition experience
- Exposure to real dealership environments
- Resume and interview practice
- Connections with dealership service managers and industry professionals
- Career exploration opportunities
- Scholarships, tools, prizes, and advancement opportunities
How Schools Participate
Select Students
Instructors identify qualified senior automotive students to represent their school. Three students will be selected by the partnering dealership to be the competition candidates.
Prepare the Team
Teams work with instructors and dealership mentors to prepare for the workstations, interviews, and on-vehicle challenge.
Connect with Dealers
HADA helps pair schools with dealership sponsors when needed, creating mentorship and training opportunities before competition day.
Student / Team Requirements
Participating teams should be prepared to complete technical stations, interviews, and an on-vehicle diagnostic challenge. Students should arrive on time, follow all safety instructions, and conduct themselves professionally throughout the day.
Requirements include:
- Three registered senior students per school team with passing ASE scores and in good general standing with the school
- Instructor or school representative present during the event
- Signed waiver for each participating student [Download Waiver Form]
- Parent or guardian signature required for students under 18
- Safety glasses required for all competition students
- Resume copies for interview rotations and career fair conversations
- On-time arrival at 7:45 AM for registration, breakfast, and instructions
Parent Engagement
Support beyond the classroom
Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the competition and awards ceremony, but do not need to stay the entire day. Parent involvement helps students celebrate their accomplishments, understand automotive career opportunities, and connect with the broader support network behind the program.
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Invite parents to key events
Encourage participation in career fairs, shop tours, or award ceremonies to showcase student achievements and the broader context of the competition.
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Communicate regularly
Share updates on competition progress, student successes, and upcoming events through newsletters or emails.
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Volunteer opportunities
Offer parents avenues to contribute their time and skills, whether it’s mentoring, event support, or providing resources.
Scholarship Opportunity
More than a competition
Students are competing for scholarships, tools, cash prizes, recognition, and the opportunity to advance to the regional/state competition. The event is designed to help students take the next step toward continued training, dealership employment, apprenticeships, and long-term automotive careers.
Program Timeline
Competition Structure Overview
Station & Testing Format
Students rotate through timed workstations that may include electrical circuits, safety and environmental practices, technical service information, interviews, and related technical assessments. The vital part of the on-car portion of the competition is to know how to use the factory scan tool and correctly insert a service order.
Scoring Transparency
Students are evaluated by trained judges using score sheets for each station, interviews, and the on-vehicle challenge.
Equipment Overview
Students should bring safety glasses and resume copies. Tools, materials, competition vehicles, scan tools, and workstation materials are provided unless otherwise communicated.
Program Timeline
Important Dates
August
Team registration and sponsor pairings begin.
September & October
Dealer mentorship, training visits, and student preparation.
November
Competition day and awards ceremony.
Ready to participate?
Register your school team
Schools may register a team of qualified automotive students to compete, connect with dealership mentors, and participate in career exploration activities.
Register NOW!