On Oct. 3, 2024, over 800 high school students gathered for an exciting College and Career Day focused on New Hampshire’s Motor Vehicle Industry. Hosted at the Manchester Community College campus, this event featured five New Hampshire-based community colleges — Great Bay Community College, Lakes Region Community College, Manchester Community College, Nashua Community College and White Mountain Community College — each showcasing their unique automotive programs.

The day was made possible thanks to the collaboration of NHADA members, partners, staff and educators who worked hard to create an engaging and informative experience for students. Attendees were treated to a showcase of industry lifestyle perks, featuring special guests from the automotive sector. Highlights included drag race cars, pulling trucks and classic show cars, captivating the students and igniting their passion for the automotive field.

One of the event’s standout features was a panel discussion with five alumni of the New Hampshire-based automotive programs. These graduates shared their personal journeys and insights into the industry, providing perspectives to groups of up to 140 students at a time. Their stories highlighted the diverse opportunities available in the automotive trade and inspired many students to consider pursuing a career in the field. 

As students wrapped up their day, they were treated to a complimentary lunch provided by Tulley Automotive Group, fueling their excitement as they boarded buses to head home. 

Overall, the event was a tremendous success that connected students and industry professionals while promoting the educational pathways available. 

If you’re interested in participating in next year’s event, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at amemmolo@nhada.com or (603) 224-2369. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire our future workforce!