Marama is a dedicated apprentice and is an inspirational example of why it is worth chasing your lifelong dream.
Capricorn Rising Stars is an opportunity for Members to recognise, reward and retain high-performing apprentices. A nomination indicates that the apprentice is someone who shows initiative in the workshop, has an eagerness to learn and is committed to the auto industry. Since starting her apprenticeship in 2020, Marama has consistently demonstrated these qualities across all aspects of her work.
Auto Super Shoppe Eurotech’s Director Nik Fowlie believes Marama’s technical aptitude is the best he has seen in 16 years of the trade. “She is a superstar. She has only been with me for two years and has now become my 2IC,” he said. “It’s a bit scary that I can go out and leave a two-year apprentice in charge to run the workshop if I need. She really deserves this award.”
In addition to one day becoming an expert technician, he is confident she will also be able to run the front-of-house and successfully manage a business. Marama’s ultimate dream is to open her own Auto Super Shoppe Garage and eventually have an academy set up to teach and train the next generation of auto apprentices.
Marama’s versatile skill set is a significant asset to her current workshop and will continue to benefit her when working towards her future goals. She is passionate about encouraging other women in the industry to chase their dreams, especially if they’re able to experience the same levels of support and encouragement that she has.
Marama hasn’t always worked in the automotive industry, but has dreamed of becoming a technician, working on vehicles and owning a workshop since she was young. Having pursued a number of different career paths, it wasn’t until COVID hit that she committed to following her dream of becoming a mechanic.
“I successfully completed the entry course with Auto Super Shoppe Academy and did a couple of days of work experience in my current workshop, before being offered an apprenticeship,” she explained. “The joy of another car fixed and roadworthy, and another satisfied customer, makes me proud of what I do.”
Marama’s forward thinking, versatility of skills and problem-solving ability makes her the perfect fit for the Capricorn Rising Star Apprentice of the Year award. In the current skills shortage market, an apprentice with Marama’s dedication and commitment is invaluable to a workshop and demonstrates the benefits of committing to training the next generation of technicians.
She understands that being an apprentice in a workshop is about more than just fixing cars. As she puts it herself: “I am all about customer service, if possible, I will try to find a solution for all our customers problems.”
As the 2022 Capricorn Rising Star Apprentice of the Year, Marama will receive $5,000 from Castrol. The Auto Super Shoppe Eurotech team will also benefit from a 12-month Repco Autopedia subscription and enrolment in the Workshop Whisperer’s Service Advisor Pro online program.
Capricorn congratulates Marama and all the Capricorn Rising Star nominees. Reading through all the nominations was a great insight into all of the talented apprentices out there and confirmed our confidence in the future success of the automotive industry. Deciding the 2022 Capricorn Rising Star Apprentice of the Year was no easy task. The competition was close, and the fact that we had so many dedicated and committed apprentices in the running made the final decision difficult for our judges to make.
Thanks goes to all Members who are helping train and prepare the next generation of industry leaders. Capricorn also thanks our program sponsors Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer for their continued support.
