Victorian apprentice technician Jaeden Matteo D’Aloia has been named the Overall Australian Winner in the 2026 Capricorn Rising Stars Awards, after being named Victoria/Tasmania Regional Winner last month.
The 20-year-old, from Eltham, is completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Technology at Box Hill TAFE while undertaking his apprenticeship with Technique Automotive, a specialist European vehicle workshop in Melbourne’s north-east.
Jaeden stood out for his commitment to learning and the contribution he is already making to his workshop. Alongside his apprenticeship, he is studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Property and Real Estate at Deakin University.
Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer Brad Gannon said Jaeden was a deserving recipient of the Australian title.
“Being named both a Regional Winner and Australia's Overall Rising Star is a tremendous achievement. Congratulations to Jaeden and the entire team at Technique Automotive for the role they've played in helping him win this award.
“Jaeden has already shown the sort of commitment that sets outstanding apprentices apart. Balancing his apprenticeship with university studies while continuing to develop his technical skills speaks volumes about his work ethic and ambition.
“The industry is becoming more technical each year, and it needs people who are prepared to keep learning throughout their careers. Jaeden is a great example of that.
“This year is also significant for the Capricorn Rising Stars Awards. For the first time, we’re recognising Overall Winners in both Australia and New Zealand, in addition to our Regional Winners.
“It means we’re recognising more apprentices than ever before, while also acknowledging the important role Member workshops play in helping them build successful careers.”
Technique Automotive owner Alex Hicks said Jaeden had exceeded expectations from the moment he joined the business.
“From day one, Jaeden showed a genuine passion for learning and an eagerness to get involved.
“We’ve been able to trust him with increasingly complex work because of his ability to problem solve, his attention to detail and the pride he takes in every job. He displays qualities that can be difficult to find even in qualified technicians, and we’re incredibly proud to see him recognised as Australia’s Overall Rising Star.”
Jaeden said the constant changes taking place across the automotive industry were among the reasons he enjoyed his chosen career.
“What I love most about the industry is that there’s always something new to learn,” he said.
“Technology is constantly evolving and every day presents a new challenge. I want to become a well-rounded technician who can work across petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles, and continue developing my skills throughout my career.”
Comments attributed to premier partner, Castrol: “Supporting the next generation of technicians is an investment in the future of our industry. Through our partnership with the Capricorn Rising Stars, Castrol is proud to recognise apprentices who demonstrate the commitment, curiosity and technical excellence needed to succeed in an increasingly advanced automotive landscape.” says Ben Rose, National Sales Director, Castrol Australia.
About the Capricorn Rising Stars Awards
Now in their ninth year, the Capricorn Rising Stars Awards recognise outstanding automotive apprentices across Australia and New Zealand. In 2026, Capricorn is recognising Regional Winners and Overall, Winners across both countries for the first time. The Awards are supported by principal partner Castrol, Repco, Workshop Whisperer, Repairify, The Automotive Technician and Blackwoods.
Apprentice receives $7,500 cash, courtesy of Castrol
Workshop receives:
- $2,500 cash to celebrate, courtesy of Repco
- AsTech All-in-One including 1-year Remote Services License, valued at $5,950+GST courtesy of Repairify
- Superstar Service Advisor and the Ultimate Team Advantage programmes, tailored specifically for the winner workshop and their team. valued at over $5,000 courtesy of Workshop Whisperer.
About Capricorn Society
Capricorn is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest and most dynamic Member-owned organisations. Since 1974, we’ve provided our Members with financial and business solutions to make running a business easier. Our flagship Trade Account offers instant credit with over 2,000 Preferred Suppliers, simplified monthly expenses, and a generous rewards program.
We have a strong foundation in the automotive and machinery aftermarkets. Our vibrant community includes over 33,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand, from national franchises to your local family workshop. Last year, Capricorn facilitated over $4.2bn in sales with our Preferred Suppliers.
At Capricorn, we're about more than just products and services. We work hard to ensure that our Members, Preferred Suppliers and People feel like they're part of something bigger, a Community which is connected and supported to make a difference, while having some fun along the way!
Media Contact:
Niall Naghten | +61 (0)466 276 591 |media@capricorn.coop
Note to editors:
Brad Gannon, CEO, is available for interview. Case studies and vision also available.
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