Capricorn Group CEO David Fraser asks if we are ready, as our industry enters a new era

As we say goodbye to 2022, I can’t help but feel that, as an industry, we are on the precipice of something special.
The expected transition to electric vehicles is the obvious starting point.
In Australia, the new Federal Government looks to be getting more serious about moving this transition forward, while in New Zealand the government has been introducing initiatives to encourage EV adoption for some time.
We see from Capricorn’s State of the Nation 2022 report that our Members are now servicing an average of four EVs or hybrids a month (up from 2.5 last year).
The face of our industry is also changing. Millennials (the eldest of whom are now 40) are taking over more of our businesses as older generations retire and they’re keen to do things their own way, embracing change and technology.
The ongoing skills shortage also means we are looking at who we welcome into the industry.
We are doing more to encourage more women into the automotive trades.
The fact that three of the five Capricorn Rising Star apprentice-of-the-year finalists this year (including the winner) were women is a very public demonstration of this — though we’ve still got a long way to go.
What we do next matters and we all need to have one eye on the future, to be prepared for what’s coming down the track.
From all the team here at Capricorn, have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year.
Yours in cooperation,
David Fraser
Group CEO – Capricorn Society Ltd

For more on Capricorn Society membership, visit www.capricorn.coop