Sixth Annual 2010 NAIAS Automotive Education Day Training For An Evolving Automotive Industry

New breakout sessions, one-on-one interviews stress the importance of a good education

DETROIT, Dec. 23 -- The automotive industry has a future that will demand a trained and prepared workforce. This is the primary focus of the next Automotive Education Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Jan. 20, 2010, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Cobo Center in Detroit.

Students in grades 9-12 and college level are invited to attend Automotive Education Day presented by State Farm Insurance, where those interested in future careers in the automotive industry will once again be offered an opportunity to receive training and valuable knowledge about an ever-changing workplace.

The sixth annual Automotive Education Day allows students to explore the many different career pathways available in all automotive fields through breakout sessions, lesson plans and one-on-one discussions with various participating representatives. This year, a scavenger hunt will be added to encourage students to participate and the first place winner will take home a Sony PlayStation 3.

"Automotive Education Day is a highlight for NAIAS each year," said Doug Fox, Chairman, 2010 NAIAS. "As the automotive industry in particular begins to move forward after some challenging times, it's even more imperative that students looking to break into this industry are better equipped and better prepared than in years past."

State Farm Insurance and the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) Education Foundation will be offering $100 bus grants to the first 100 buses registered. Schools will automatically be signed up for the grants just by registering for Automotive Education Day, and they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, as the registration forms are received.

Thousands of students from a variety of schools throughout southeast Michigan, surrounding states and across the river in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, are expected to attend. The activities get under way promptly at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks at Cobo Arena.

Tickets for Automotive Education Day are $12 per student and include a lunch ticket. One adult chaperone per 10 students is required. Online registration is available at www.naias.com/aed.htm. Registration deadline is Friday, January 8, 2010. School groups should arrive at 7:30 a.m. at Cobo Arena. Contact Lacey Lambert at llambert@dada.org with any questions.

About the North American International Auto Show

Entering its 22nd year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. One of the largest media events in North America, the NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com.

  Press Preview - Monday-Tuesday, January 11-12, 2010
  Industry Preview - Wednesday-Thursday, January 13-14, 2010
  Charity Preview - Friday, January 15, 2010
  Public Show - Saturday-Sunday, January 16-24, 2010