2023 Capricorn rising stars top five finalists revealed
The finalists for Capricorn’s Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year has been revealed, with Tyler Rees, Jaidyn Seng, Chelsea Bowers, Matilda Gook and Joshua Will making the phenomenal five for 2023.
In its sixth year running, Capricorn’s prestigious apprentice achievement award received over 550 nominations from automotive businesses across Australia and New Zealand. The high calibre of entries received in 2023 is a testament to the ongoing value and importance of apprentices in the industry.
By recognising the contribution of our automotive apprentices, Capricorn aims to help build a more sustainable industry and forge deeper relations with young repairers and workshops.
The top five Capricorn Rising Star Apprentice of the Year competition finalists are:
• Tyler Rees – Rees Automotive Repairs Pty Ltd, New South Wales.
• Jaidyn Seng – Paramount Automotive Performance, Queensland.
• Chelsea Bowers – John Edwards Automotive, Queensland.
• Matilda Gook – APS Mech Pty Ltd, Queensland.
• Joshua Will – Tatiara Truck & Trailers Pty Ltd, South Australia.
Capricorn CEO Automotive, Brad Gannon, said the awards showcased the talent and diversity of automotive aftermarket apprentices from panel and fabrication to auto electrical, heavy diesel, general mechanical and more.
“The level of passion these Rising Stars exhibit is remarkable. It’s amazing to see how dedicated they are to achieving excellence, making us confident that the future of the industry is in extraordinarily capable hands.
“We thank our passionate members who took the time to nominate their exceptional apprentices. Your dedication to recognise future talent is invaluable and we are grateful for your support. Together, we shape a brighter tomorrow for the automotive industry!”
Paramount Automotive Performance applauded their top five nominee, Jaidyn Seng, saying, “Jaidyn is the most switched-on and motivated apprentice we have ever had. On top of doing his apprenticeship, he’s also studying engineering at University and strives to learn as much as he can every day.”
Likewise, Rees Automotive vouched for Tyler Rees and said, “Tyler demonstrates a maturity well beyond his age, he approaches each job with a growth mindset regardless of whether he is completing a standard service or attempting a much more complex task.”
Capricorn thanks long-term sponsors Castrol, Repco and the Workshop Whisperer for making the Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year competition possible.
The top five finalists received a $1,000 Repco voucher, $1,000 cash from Castrol and tickets to two Repco masterclasses while the Top 5 workshops received a 12-month Repco Autopedia subscription. The overall winner will receive an additional $5,000 in prize money from Castrol and a Capricorn Rising Stars trophy. The winner’s workshop will also receive complimentary enrolment in the Workshop Whisperer’s Service Advisor Pro online program.
The five finalists will now go on to compete for the coveted title of 2023 Capricorn Rising Star, which will be announced in August.
“We congratulate all the finalists in these special awards and we wish the best of luck to our top five finalists,” Brad Gannon added.
Look out for Capricorn Rising Stars to return in 2024 as it seeks to recognise, reward and retain more outstanding apprentices. capricorn.coop