SMYRNA, Tenn. — The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) will host a Transportation Career Fair at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) at Smyrna on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature a special Tennessee support announcement from LKQ Corporation and the LKQ Foundation at noon.

The fair aims to connect high school and college students with potential employers in the transportation and collision repair industries, providing a platform to explore hands-on career paths in fields such as automotive technology, collision repair, diesel mechanics, and more.

Representatives from local and national companies will be on-site to meet students, share industry insights, and discuss job opportunities across Tennessee and beyond. The event underscores growing demand for skilled technicians and the strong partnership between education and industry in building Tennessee’s workforce.

“Events like this are critical to helping students see the real-world impact of technical careers,” said a CREF representative. “With the support of LKQ and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, we’re empowering the next generation of transportation professionals.”

The College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, serves approximately 170,000 students through its 13 community colleges, 23 colleges of applied technology, and TN eCampus. TCAT Smyrna continues to be a leader in workforce development for Middle Tennessee, supporting industry needs and student success.

Event Details:

• What: CREF Transportation Career Fair & LKQ Support Announcement

• When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (LKQ announcement at noon)

• Where: Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Smyrna, 663 Ken Pilkerton Drive, Smyrna, TN 37167