Aston Martin F1 Team pitstop practice during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 12, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Zak Mauger/LAT Images for Aston Martin)
Formula 1 Hot News

Valvoline and Aston Martin Team Bring Aspiring Mechanics Program to the Mexico City GP (Update)

Posted by AR1 staff

What we failed to include in the original article was that  Valvoline has committed $1 million to the Aspiring Mechanics Program.

The Aspiring Mechanics Program, aims to support 10,000 individuals looking to pursue careers in this field over the course of five years. The idea behind it is to remove common barriers to programs around the world—namely tuition-related expenses—and even offer a leg up in motorsports.

While there is no single “all-in-one” application for the entire Aspiring Mechanics Program, you can apply for the scholarships that fund it through Valvoline’s partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF).

Application Links for 2025-2026
  • AutomotiveScholarships.com: This is the primary portal for Valvoline Global Operations scholarships.
    • Deadlines: Applications for the 2025 cycle typically open early in the year and are due by March 31, 2026, for the following academic year.
    • Instructions: On the application, you must list Valvoline in the sponsor section under “company” to be considered for their specific awards.
  • Valvoline Global Mechanics Month Hub: This site provides general information and updates on training opportunities and local engagement programs included under the Aspiring Mechanics initiative.
Scholarship Details

The 2025 program includes the following awards for students pursuing automotive careers:

  • General Scholarships: Twelve $2,500 scholarships awarded to students attending accredited 2-year or 4-year colleges, vocational schools, or ASE/NATEF certified programs.
  • Women in Automotive: Four $2,500 scholarships specifically for female students.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must be high school graduates (or have a GED) and be enrolled in an automotive-related field.

For local training opportunities, such as the flagship program at The HILL in Kentucky, students should contact their local vocational educational leads or visit the FCPS The HILL website.

December 30, 2025 

Valvoline Global Operations, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, is reimagining the future of mechanics with the global debut of its next generation Aspiring Mechanics Program, supported by the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team.

The newly launched program will be celebrated this weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, as Aston Martin Aramco and Valvoline come together at track to inspire the next generation of mechanics and welcome local students to immerse themselves in the world of an F1 mechanic for the day.

Valvoline and Aston Martin Team Bring Aspiring Mechanics Program to the Mexico City GP

The Valvoline Global Aspiring Mechanics Program will be on full display throughout the weekend, spotlighting the power of hands-on learning. Students from La Escuela Mexicana de Electricidad (EME), who have received scholarships through the Aspiring Mechanics Programme, will receive trackside access to Aston Martin Aramco, going behind-the-scenes with professional F1 mechanics as they tour the team garage and witness firsthand how innovation and precision drive performance at the highest level of racing.

Designed to remove entry barriers and open doors for the next generation of automotive technicians, the Aspiring Mechanics program comes at a critical time as the global automotive industry faces a projected shortage of 4.3 million skilled workers by 2030. To help close this gap, Valvoline Global’s new program includes a five-year, $1 million USD pledge to support an estimated 10,000 aspiring mechanics globally through training, scholarships, and local engagement programs.

With the automotive industry projected to grow by an average of 2.4% by 2030, Valvoline Global’s commitment ensures that tomorrow’s workforce is ready to meet the moment. With a rich history of celebrating and investing in mechanics, Valvoline Global has grown its support over time to achieve global impact. Since the 2020 launch of its Mechanics Month program (now recognized annually in 60+ countries), Valvoline Global has directly invested in mechanics worldwide. Tailored to meet regional needs, this global commitment ranges from scholarships and apprenticeships to toolbox donations and mentorships in communities around the world.

Now, Valvoline Global is expanding these efforts with its Aspiring Mechanics Program which includes a new flagship program with the Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership (HILL) in Lexington, Ky., where the company is headquartered.

Jefferson Slack, Managing Director of Commercial and Marketing, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One™ Team: “We are proud to support our partners Valvoline with the launch of this inspiring global program. Seeing our work together on Mechanics Month evolve into such a comprehensive and meaningful initiative is a testament to Valvoline’s™ commitment to an industry we are at the heart of.”

Jamal Muashsher, Global President and CEO, Valvoline Global: “From the early innovators behind the steam engines and the original automobiles, to the advanced technicians who are shaping the future of mobility today, Valvoline Global has always supported professionals who drive the industry forward. With this investment, we are not only honoring that legacy but also helping ensure the next generation of mechanics have the tools, training and opportunity to succeed.”

To discover more about how, together with Valvoline, we’re celebrating the people who make progress possible and empowering a new generation to turn potential into performance, click here.