Student Career Day

World of Wheels’ Student Career Day is nationally recognized as an official field trip for public schools. It was started in 2006 as an initiative to support the automotive educational programs at schools by exposing students to the wide range of opportunities in the industry through speakers, corporate support and event participation.

Download your Registration Form now & give your students the chance to hear 1st hand from industry professionals. They will have the chance to meet & speak 1 on 1 with nationally known builders as well as leaders in the automotive industry!

The next generation

Goals of Student Career Day

01
Inspire students by introducing them to career paths & options in the automotive industry that they might have never considered or even known about before.
02
Help students to understand the importance of their education by hearing it directly from industry leaders.
03
To learn these professional’s perspectives on the future of the automotive industry.
04
Expose students to opportunities in the specialty automotive aftermarket industry that SEMA calls a $34 billion industry.
05
Allow students to view talents of the participants who have handcrafted many of the vehicles participating in the O’Reilly World of Wheels.
06
Provide a forum for students to view firsthand many of North America’s finest show vehicles, many of which have been featured in magazines and television programs.
07
Provide an opportunity for students to visit with many of the car owners and builders who have painstakingly completed their projects.

About Student Career Day

The Chattanooga, TN O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is proud to host its 21st Annual Student Career Day at the Chattanooga Convention Center on Friday, January 9, 2026.

The O’Reilly auto Parts World of Wheels is committed to the future by holding these annual Educational Days where students and instructors enjoy & learn more about the aftermarket hot rod industry.

The Student Day Program will begin at 10:00 AM with a Welcome Reception that will last about 45 minutes.

The reception will feature guest speakers; Leaders in their automotive fields who share their passion of the industry. There will also be drawings for prizes and giveaways.

Following the session, students will be allowed to enter the show before it opens to the public. They will have the opportunity to speak with car owners and builders as they finish preparing their vehicles and displays for the show. They will also be able to participate in several interactive exhibits and talk to representatives from area colleges and tech schools. Scholarship opportunities are also available from many of these schools.

Students and Chaperons will each receive 1 additional Complimentary Ticket to return to the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels on any show day during normal operating hours!

A concession stand will be open for lunch during Student Day. The concession stand accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, debit card & credit card payments only (no cash).

58th Annual Chattanooga, TN

Friday, January 9th: 3pm – 9pm Saturday, January 10th: 10am – 9pm Sunday, January 11th: 10am – 6pm

Use the interactive map for turn by turn directions to the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Registration Form

Click here to download a Registration Form

Students & instructors can try out the SimSpray VR Paint simulator at this year’s Student Career Day!

Chattanooga State Community College in partnership with Byrd’s Automotive are supporting the World of Wheels events with the SimSpray VR Paint Simulator! This awesome, state of the art virtual reality simulator uses augmented reality technology to improve the efficiency and economy of classroom education for beginner and intermediate level students.

Chattanooga State Byrd's Automotive SimSpray Paint Simulator

Chattanooga, TN