Australia’s largest automotive cooperative has taken a step closer to identifying the best and brightest of the future talent in the industry.
It has released the top five finalists in its annual Rising Stars award, curated from more than 360 nominations from across the automotive sector.
Capricorn now in its 50th year has almost 30,000 members from across Australia and New Zealand covering every sector from collision repair to automotive electrics, services and supplies.
Capricorn CEO Automotive Brad Gannon says the award highlighted the impressive amount of young automotive industry talent and emphasised the importance of apprentices for the future of the industry Members.
“At a time when the skills shortage continues to have a real impact across the entire automotive aftermarket, the Capricorn Rising Stars nominees’ commitment to excellence provides a major boost of confidence in the future of our industry.
“It is more important than ever to support young apprentices on their journey. A key aspect is showing and proving to young people that they can have a bright future in the industry.
“Narrowing down the field to the five most outstanding nominees was a very difficult task,” Gannon says.
The 2024 Capricorn Rising Stars top five finalists:
- Cooper Bullin — Road Runner Mechanical Services, Webberton, WA
- Dylan Sneddon — Auto Response, Stratton WA
- Marko Graovac — Hagans Auto Electrical Service. Albury , NSW
- Megan Toia — Badgingarra Motors, Badgingarra, WA
- Shalako Hauraki — UltraTune Balcatta, Balcatta, WA
“By shining a light on high performing apprentices, the Capricorn Rising Stars Award not only recognises their achievements, but also helps to develop a pipeline of talent that will become the highly skilled technicians and business owners of tomorrow,” Gannon says.
The award recognises apprentices who show initiative in the workshop, eagerness to learn and commitment to the auto industry.
Capricorn Rising Stars Top 5 Finalists and the Overall Winner will enjoy prizes supplied by this initiative’s long term dedicated sponsors Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer. The grand winner will be decided later this August.
To find out more about the Capricorn Rising Stars competition and finalists, visit here.