By SEMA Editors

SEMA is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto-parts industries at www.sema.org/scholarships.  

New this year, high-school and part-time students can apply for a scholarship. The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship Committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA Chairman-Elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at www.sema.org/scholarships. The deadline for the program is March 1, 2018.

Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering. Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan-forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA-member companies who are paying off a loan for a completed program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the United States.

For more information, contact SEMA Manager of Student Programs Juliet Marshall at 909-978-6655 or julietm@sema.org. 

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

This is the ’18 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited free of all camo.

FCA started showing official pictures of the Wrangler ahead of its premiere at the L.A. Auto Show in late November, but there are numerous details that haven't been confirmed yet.

A large UConnect touchscreen will be offered on at least upper models, with the base model using a smaller version of the system. Also on tap is a configurable display between the physical gauges. A six-speed manual is definitely part of the model offering.

Most versions are set to be powered by the 3.6L V6, and an eight-speed automatic will be offered, improving fuel economy. Later, a 2.0L turbo, 3.0L turbodiesel V6 and a mild hybrid will be offered.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpideBilde

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Enthusiast Community Social Media Manager: Derive Systems is hiring an enthusiast community and social media manager to represent SCT and Bully Dog at enthusiast marketing events; interact with and convey the value of SCT and Bully Dog products to customers, dealers, wholesalers, partners; and generate enthusiasm among key external stakeholders for SCT and Bully Dog in order to support the sales team. The ideal candidate has experience with in-person B2C marketing events, a proven ability to run engaging social-media campaigns across a variety of channels and in-depth knowledge of the performance automotive aftermarket enthusiast space.

Sales and Show Representative: Honest Charley Speed Shop is hiring a sales and show representative to attend swap meets, car shows and other industry events. The right candidate will recognize the difference between a hot rod, rat-rod collector car and a musclecar. Availability to travel to shows, both locally and nationally, several times per year, and the ability to lift/load 35–50 lbs. on a frequent basis and up to 75 lbs. occasionally are required.

Mechanic/Fabricator: Cinema Vehicle Services LLC is hiring a mechanic/fabricator with great mechanical skills and a history of automotive experience. Duties include performing custom fabrication utilizing the latest in machinery and technology, tube bending and custom tubular frame fabrication, and custom suspension fabrication and installation. The ideal candidate must have a valid driver’s license with a clean record and be able to drive stick shift as well as automatic. Candidates with a high level of vehicle knowledge and mechanical/electrical experience are preferred.

Inside Sales Wholesale Representative: Transamerican Wholesale is hiring an inside sales wholesale representative for its new distribution center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Responsibilities include generating new wholesale business in the truck and Jeep aftermarket, building and maintaining relationships with current and new accounts, and growing sales with key accounts in a designated territory. Three years of experience in aftermarket sales and/or customer service is required. A bachelor’s degree and automotive aftermarket experience are preferred.

Fabricator: Ambition Road Hot Rods & Muscle Cars is hiring an experienced fabricator. The ideal candidate will have at least three years’ experience in TIG welding, metal finishing and fabricating custom parts. Body work and paint experience are pluses. A strong work ethic and the ability to produce high-quality work are musts.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• 2017 Advanced Engineering Technology Conference (AETC), December 5–6, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• MPMC General Membership Meeting, December 6, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Sanctioning Body/Manufacturer Discussion, December 7, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• How to Prepare Sponsorship Proposals, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Rules of the Road for Motorsports Haulers, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Performance Industry Reception, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• Motorsports and Performance Tech Roundtable, December 8, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 23–25, 2018, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California

• 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, April 3–8, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program, May 24–28, 2018, Melbourne, Australia

• Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), July 13, 2018

• 2018 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities (view all here) in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enables employees to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more.