In 2025, Capricorn will award six Region Winners as well as an Overall Winner

Capricorn, Australia and New Zealand’s largest automotive aftermarket member organisation, has announced its renowned Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year Award will be expanded in 2025 to recognise and reward more apprentices than ever before.
“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,” Capricorn Chief Executive Officer – Trade, Andrew Zadow, said.
“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 is more than $30,000 in prizes up for grabs and 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 percent of Members find it challenging to find good staff, including apprentices,” Andrew said.
“We hope by raising the profile of apprentices in the automotive aftermarket we can encourage people to consider joining the industry.
“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 now and close on Saturday, 31 May 2025.

For more information, please visit www.capricorn.coop/rising-stars