“We’re thrilled to announce that this year Capricorn will be awarding Region Winners as well as an Overall Winner in the Rising Star Awards,” Andrew Zadow, CEO Trade says.
“Our Rising Stars Awards provide an opportunity for Capricorn Members to nominate apprentices who show initiative and a real appetite for being in the industry. Over the past seven years we’ve continually been amazed by the quality of the nominations, so this year we’re increasing the awards to allow us to recognise star apprentices from each of our main regions, as well as an Overall Winner.”
The Capricorn Rising Stars program is an annual competition run by Capricorn in partnership with industry sponsors (Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer) to celebrate top apprentices in the automotive aftermarket industry in Australia and New Zealand.
In 2025, Capricorn will award six Region Winners from Western Australia, South Australia /Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory, Victoria/Tasmania and New Zealand as well as an Overall Winner. There are over $30,000 in prizes up for grabs. The competition is open to apprentices from all types of workshops and disciplines; from panel and fabrication to auto-electrical, general mechanical, heavy diesel and more.
“We know from our State of the Nation research that over 54% of Members find it challenging to find good staff, including apprentices. We hope by raising the profile of apprentices in the automotive aftermarket we can encourage people to consider joining the industry,” Andrew adds.
“Through our Rising Stars Award we have discovered some outstanding advocates for the industry. Individuals who might only be at the start of their journey but have shown that they are the industry leaders of the future. I’m looking forward to meeting more this year.”
Nominations for the awards are open from Saturday, 1 March 2025 and close on Saturday, 31 May 2025.
Find out more at capricorn.coop/rising-stars (for print cap.coop/stars).
For further information contact media@capricorn.coop or +61 455 731 955.
Images:
Capricorn Rising Stars Award artwork
Gabrielle Clift and Chelsea Bowers, 2020 and 2023 Overall Winners
Harry Burgess, Capricorn Member and Megan Toia, 2024 Overall Winner
Mark Smith, 2018 Overall Winner
About Capricorn
Capricorn Society was established in 1974 to support small business owners in the automotive aftermarket. Now 50 years later, Capricorn has over 30,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand including mechanical workshops, collision repairers and auto electricians.
Capricorn offers a range of competitive financial services products, including its flagship Trade Account that connects Members with over 2,000 Preferred Suppliers.
Proudly operating by cooperative principles, Capricorn Members also have access to risk protection, exclusive industry events and a generous Capricorn Rewards Program. For more information and terms and conditions, visit capricorn.coop.