Top 5 Finalists

CAPRICORN CAPRICORN

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Stars Stars

TOP 5

RISING STARS ANNOUNCED

Thank you to everyone who nominated their apprentice! A record -breaking 600 plus Members let their apprentices know just how much they are appreciated by nominating them as a Capricorn Rising Star.

This is a great news for the industry, with so many outstanding individuals identified as workshop leaders of the future.

In many cases, the nominated apprentices are already acting as leaders in their workshops. We heard from many who were taking on advanced jobs, normally reserved for qualified repairers. Others stepped up when it counted, running the workshop on their own in times of crisis. We were also inspired by the many nominees who have overcome difficult circumstances to stay dedicated to developing their craft and repaying the faith their workshops have shown in them. All nominees demonstrated outstanding passion for the industry and a strong commitment to going above and beyond to deliver the highest levels of service for customers.

Rising Stars Judge and Capricorn CEO Automotive, Brad Gannon, stressed the value of supporting apprentices. “Completing an automotive apprenticeship is no easy undertaking. With a shortage of qualified repairers to go around, it’s never been more important that we support and encourage our apprentices. Capricorn Rising Stars is an easy way for Members to show their apprentices that they have a bright future ahead of them, to maintain their passion for automotive and keep them committed to a long career in the industry.”

Of course, there can only be 5 finalists. Capricorn sincerely congratulates Ben Brown, Adam McDonald, Jordon Dodge, Paige Scully & Thomas Rutzou, who have all been selected as this year’s Top 5 Rising Stars. Stay tuned for the August edition of Ignition, where the overall winner will be announced.

Capricorn would also like to thank our program sponsors, Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer, who kindly donated some generous prizes for the winners and their nominating workshops.

MEET THE TOP 5 FINALISTS

BEN BROWN - CWR MOTORSPORT

What their employer

had to say: Taking on Ben as our apprentice is the best thing we have done. He is passionate about not only his mechanic side of the job, but also has a lot of ideas and vision that is helping us to grow our business. As Ben develops his skills and learns the administration side, we would not hesitate to leave him in charge when the need arises.

ADAM MCDONALD - VOLTAIC AUTO ELECTRICAL

What their employer

had to say: Adam is committed to becoming the best tradesman in the industry. He demonstrates this day-by-day by helping all stakeholders with technical faults and loves finding solutions for the difficult problems. He will make a positive difference in our industry and is a Rising Star.

JARROD WALKER - EURO PRESTIGE JORDON DODGE - MARK DODGE AUTO REPAIRS

What their employer

had to say: Jordon was recognised as the Volvo 2nd year, apprentice of the year in 2019. He has completed the MTAQ EV accreditation and the RACQ Patrolman and Towing accreditation. His ability and attitude has allowed him to work independently and multi task across all facets of the business including parts, customer service, auto electrical and mechanical.

PAIGE SCULLY -KRUPIC AUTO REPAIRS

What their employer

had to say: Paige is our Rising Star because she rises to the challenges. She takes on difficult jobs be it on trucks, buses, vans and cars. Paige also tackles new technology with confidence and although still in her first year she helps the other mechanics with the latest tech jargon. Paige has set herself high goals and is willing to do what is needed to achieve them.

THOMAS RUTZOU- JAG & BRITISH PRESTIGE SERVICE

What their employer

had to say: Tom fits in very well with our workshop team and business values. His enthusiasm for getting the job done proficiently and properly is admirable, and exactly what a business owner needs from their employees. We are very proud to have Tom on our team and are behind him to further his career goals and realise his potential within the industry.