Repco Renewed Sponsorship for Automotive Apprentice Awards
The annual awards recognize emerging talent in the automotive trade as the industry faces a sharp decline in new apprenticeships.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Auto Parts
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Repco has renewed its support for the Capricorn Rising Star Awards, which concluded their ninth annual judging cycle in September 2026. The program honors top-performing apprentices in Australia and New Zealand.
Why it matters
The awards aim to incentivize careers in automotive trades during a period when the Australian Industry Group reported a nearly 10 percent drop in trade apprenticeship starts. Promoting these roles is critical to maintaining service for the country's fleet of over 20 million vehicles.
The Capricorn Rising Star Awards are in their ninth year, recognizing individual achievement among a pool of apprentices supporting a national fleet of 20 million registered vehicles.
The players
Repco
An automotive parts retailer and supplier that provides critical components and tools to professional workshops across Australia and New Zealand.
Jaeden Matteo D'Aloia
The technician who was named the Overall Australian Rising Star for 2026.
Carter Boyle
The technician who was named the Overall New Zealand Rising Star for 2026.
The details
The program evaluates apprentices based on their individual professional milestones and the support provided by their host workshops. Nominations are open to Capricorn members, including workshop owners, managers, and supervisors, who help guide the next generation of technicians. This structured recognition process highlights the importance of mentorship in professional automotive development.
Timeline
September 2026: Judging for the 2026 awards concluded.
The Home Front
The awards program serves as an industry-led response to the documented decline in trade apprenticeship commencements tracked by the Australian Industry Group. This initiative highlights the ongoing effort to sustain the skilled labor force required for automotive maintenance.
If you are evaluating repair shops for your vehicle, consider asking if the team participates in apprenticeship or mentorship programs. Supporting workshops that invest in training helps ensure the long-term availability of qualified technicians for your family car.
The takeaway
The automotive industry is prioritizing professional development to combat a significant skills gap. Workshop owners looking to support the trade can monitor future nomination windows for the Capricorn Rising Star Awards to recognize their own staff.
Further reading
Learn more about industry standards and maintenance trends in the Auto Parts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GoAutoNews Premium.
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