Lachlan Madsen
2025 Overall Winner
Discover Lachlan's JourneyCapricorn Rising Stars Awards 2026
Celebrating the next generation of automotive talent across Australia and New Zealand
The Capricorn Rising Stars Awards recognise outstanding automotive apprentices who are already making their mark in workshops across Australia and New Zealand.
From mechanical and auto-electrical to heavy diesel, panel, fabrication and emerging technologies, these awards shine a spotlight on apprentices who bring skill, commitment and pride to their trade and who represent the future of our industry.If you have an apprentice in your workshop who consistently shows initiative, a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the automotive industry, this is your opportunity to recognise their efforts and celebrate their impact.
Rising Stars Awards 2026 - Nominations now open
Recognise the apprentice making a difference in your workshop
Now in its 9th year, the Rising Stars Awards celebrate apprentices across all automotive disciplines. By nominating an apprentice, you’re not only acknowledging their hard work, you’re also giving them the chance to gain industry-wide recognition and share in over $56,000+ worth of prizes.
For the first time, Capricorn will award:
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One overall Australian Rising Star
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One overall New Zealand Rising Star
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Multiple Australian Regional Winners
Prizes and recognition
The Capricorn Rising Stars Awards recognise both individual achievement and the workshops that support apprentice development, with prizes awarded at national and regional levels.
Overall Australian Rising Star
Apprentice
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$7,500 cash, courtesy of Castrol
Workshop
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$2,500 cash to celebrate, courtesy of Repco
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AsTech All-in-One including 1-year Remote Services License, valued at $5,950+GST courtesy of Repairify
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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.
Overall New Zealand Rising Star
Apprentice
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$7,500 cash, courtesy of Castrol
Workshop
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$2,500 cash to celebrate, courtesy of Repco
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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
Australian Regional Winners
Apprentice
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$1,000 cash, courtesy of Repco
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$1000 Cash, courtesy of Blackwoods
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$1000 cash courtesy of JBS
Workshop
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$700 cash to celebrate with your workshop and 12-month TaT membership valued at $330 courtesy of The Automotive Technician
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AsTech Link 2.0 (Remote Only) Vehicle communication VCI including 1 year Remote Services License, valued at $2,700 + GST
Key dates
Nominations
Wednesday 18 March – Friday 1 May 2026
- Capricorn Members nominate apprentices who demonstrate initiative, commitment and a drive to succeed.
Apprentice applications
Wednesday 18 March – Sunday 3 May 2026
- Nominated apprentices complete their application and officially enter the awards.
Judging & shortlisting
May - July 2026
- Shortlisted apprentices are contacted for follow-up questions.
Winners announced
September - October 2026
- Australian Regional winners and the overall Australian and New Zealand Rising Stars are announced.
Who can nominate?
Any Capricorn Member workshop owner, manager or supervisor can nominate an apprentice from their workshop. There’s no limit to how many apprentices you can nominate.
Our sponsors
Previous winners
Isaac Davis
2025 SA/NT Regional Winner
Read Isaac's Story
Jeremy Drabsch
Explore his victory
Explore Jeremy's Victory
Mark Smith
The Battery Terminal (ACT)
Frequently asked questions
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Who is eligible for nomination for the Rising Stars Awards?
- Any apprentice employed by the nominating workshop at the time of nomination and currently undertaking training with a recognised automotive training institution is eligible.
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Can an apprentice who was nominated previously be nominated again?
- Yes, of course. We encourage all Members to renominate former candidates to show appreciation and recognition. The only requirement is that they are still an apprentice at the time of nomination.
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Can I nominate more than one apprentice?
- Yes. There’s no limit to the number of apprentices you can nominate.
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When will winners be announced?
- Regional winners will be announced in September, with the overall Australian and New Zealand winners announced in October.
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How will winners be notified?
- Shortlisted apprentices and winners will be contacted directly by Capricorn via phone and/or email prior to public announcements.
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Can any of the prizes be exchanged for cash or can prizes be transferred to another person?
- Prizes are not transferrable for cash and prizes cannot be transferred to other individuals.