2023 Rising Stars
TOP 5
FINALISTS

Chelsea Bowers
QLD

Jaidyn Seng
QLD

Joshua Will
SA

Matilda Gook
QLD

Tyler Rees
NSW
OUR MISSION
Recognising
Rewarding
Retaining
... outstanding technicians in the Aftermarket industry.
Capricorn Rising Stars helps Capricorn Members recognise, reward and retain high-performing apprentices. These are apprentices who show initiative in the workshop, eagerness to learn and commitment to the auto industry. Beyond that, it will put them in the running to win a share of more than $27,000 worth of prizes* for them and their workshop.
By recognising the contribution of automotive apprentices and the bright careers they have ahead of them, we hope to continue to attract the best talent and keep more auto technicians working in the industry.
With a shortage of qualified technicians to go around, it's up to all of us to take on and encourage apprentices that are passionate about the auto industry.
.jpg?width=6417&height=4278&name=2022%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Marama%20Thompson%20-%20Auto%20Shoppe%20Eurotech%20(4).jpg)
.jpg?width=8192&height=5464&name=2021%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Ben%20Brown%20-%20CWR%20Motorsport%20(3).jpg)
.jpg?width=5464&height=8192&name=2021%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Ben%20Brown%20-%20CWR%20Motorsport%20(2).jpg)
.jpg?width=5585&height=3723&name=2018%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Mark%20Smith%20-%20The%20Battery%20Terminal%20%20(2).jpg)
.jpg?width=5278&height=3519&name=2018%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Mark%20Smith%20-%20The%20Battery%20Terminal%20%20(4).jpg)
.jpg?width=2400&height=3600&name=2019%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Jeremy%20Drabsch%20-%20Titan%20Automotive%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?width=3600&height=2400&name=2019%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Jeremy%20Drabsch%20-%20Titan%20Automotive%20(4).jpg)
.jpg?width=5184&height=3456&name=2020%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Gabrielle%20Clift%20-%20Highfields%20Mechanical%20and%20Off%20Road%20(2).jpg)
.jpg?width=6508&height=4339&name=2022%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Marama%20Thompson%20-%20Auto%20Shoppe%20Eurotech%20(3).jpg)
.jpg?width=5184&height=3456&name=2020%20Capricorn%20Rising%20Stars%20Winner%20Gabrielle%20Clift%20-%20Highfields%20Mechanical%20and%20Off%20Road%20(5).jpg)
Prizes*
By recognising the contribution of automotive apprentices and the bright careers they have ahead of them, we hope to continue to attract the best talent and keep more auto repairers working in the industry.
Top 5 Finalists
Apprentices:
- $1,000 cash courtesy of Castrol
- A $1,000 Repco voucher
- Tickets to 2x Repco Masterclasses valued at $258
Workshops:
- A 12-month Repco Autopedia subscription valued at $1,548
Overall Winner
Apprentice:
- An additional $5,000 cash courtesy of Castrol
- A Capricorn Rising Stars Trophy
Workshop:
- The Workshop Whisperer’s Service Advisor Pro online program valued at $3,000 plus GST
*Terms and Conditions apply. Please click here for full terms and conditions. All prizes are in Australian dollars apart from cash prizes which will be in Australian or New Zealand Dollars depending upon the recipient’s location.
Calendar
-
1st February 2023
NOMINATIONS OPEN
-
30th April 2023
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
-
July 2023
TOP 5 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
-
August 2023
OVERALL WINNER ANNOUNCED
Rising Stars
Previous Winners

2022

2021

2020
.png?width=340&height=400&name=Rising%20Stars%20Winners%20(1).png)
2019
Titan Automotive (QLD)

2018
"Encouraging and acknowledging future leaders is an important part of growing and supporting the automotive industry. We at Capricorn wish to help Members strengthen their teams and believe recognition and reward will help businesses attract and retain the best talent."
David Fraser
Capricorn Group CEO
“She is a superstar. She has only been with me for two years and has now become my 2IC.”
Nik Fowlie, on Marama Thompson Capricorn Rising Stars 2022
Auto Super Shoppe Eurotech’s Director
“The joy of another car fixed and roadworthy, and another satisfied customer, makes me proud of what I do."
Marama Thompsom
2022 Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year Winner from Auto Super Shoppe Eurotech (NZ)
"Capricorn Rising Stars prioritises rewarding apprentices who demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry, a positive can-do attitude and a strong commitment to forging a long career in the industry."
Brad Gannon
Capricorn CEO Automotive
"Jessica has definitely shown us that women do belong in the workshop, she puts in 100% and has given us faith that there are still hard-working youth willing to get their hands dirty, learn a trade and take pride in their work."
Harris Automotive on Jessica Smith's 2022 Top 5 Finalist nomination
YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate an apprentice for the 2023 Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year award?
A manager or supervisor from a Capricorn Member workshop.
Are nominations only open to Capricorn Members?
Yes, only Capricorn Members can nominate apprentices for the 2023 Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year award.
What constitutes an eligible apprentice to be nominated for the award?
The apprentice must be employed as an apprentice at the time of nomination by the nominating workshop and be currently undertaking tuition from a recognised automotive training institution.
Can an apprentice who was nominated previously be nominated again?
Yes, we encourage all Members to re-nominate those previously nominated as it’s a great way to show them that they are appreciated and valued which is essential in retaining employees. The only requirement is that they are still an apprentice at the time of nomination.
How many apprentices can be nominated for the award by the same person or workshop?
As many apprentices as are apprenticed to the workshop.
Can any of the prizes be exchanged for cash or prizes transferred to another individual?
Prizes are not transferrable for cash. Prizes cannot be transferred to other individuals.
When will the winners be announced?
The Overall Winner will be announced by Capricorn in early August with all Top 5 Finalists announced in July.
How will the apprentice and workshop be advised if they won, made the final list or been shortlisted?
Winners and finalists will be contacted by phone and/or email prior to the public announcements. Shortlisted candidates will also be contacted via phone and/or email to arrange the completion of a second assessment round as part of the application process.