Securing the future: The important apprentices role of
Give your
rising star a to
A guide to nominating and entering the 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Award.
We believe in the value of celebrating apprentices That’s why we launched the Capricorn Rising Stars Award back in 2018 – to recognise, and reward top apprentices and, in doing so, help to secure a pipeline of talent that our Members can draw on for years to come.
This year we’ve extended the program and we’ll be naming six Region Winners, one from each zone, as well as an overall 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Winner. This means that there are more chances than ever before to have your star apprentice recognised and for you and them to win a share of over $30,000 in prizes*.
To make sure we select a truly outstanding apprentice as our winner, we undertake a thorough nomination and application process that involves collecting responses from both nominating Members and nominated apprentices.
If you want to give your apprentice the best shot check, out the following steps required to successfully complete the nomination and application process.
STEP 1: Member Nominations (1 March to 31 May 2025)
To nominate your apprentice (or apprenticesmultiple nominations are welcome), Members need to complete the online nomination form found on the Rising Stars web page at cap.coop/stars. This is where we collect information about you and your business as well as info on your apprentice and why you are nominating them. Providing as much detail and insight as possible into what makes your apprentice such a star helps our judges in their decision-making process.
When filling in the form, it is important to provide accurate contact details (email address and phone number) for your nominated apprentice(s) as we need to contact them for the next stage of the process.
STEP 2: Apprentice Applications (1 March
to 31 May 2025)
Once nominated by their employer, apprentices will be notified via email and need to complete the apprentice application form to be eligible for the Award. This involves them answering four questions designed to gauge their inspiration, drive, mindset and experience. Answers don’t need to be long or complicated, so we encourage all nominees to have a crack regardless of their confidence when it comes to writing.
As we mentioned before, apprentices need to complete their application form to be in the running to win, so we strongly advise Members to check in with their nominated apprentices and encourage them to complete the form before the Saturday, 31 May 2025 deadline.
STEP 3: Shortlisted Apprentices (June to 2 July
2025)
After the first round of judging, the most promising applicants are shortlisted to progress to the next round. These shortlisted apprentices will be contacted again and asked to complete a second set of questions before the deadline on Wednesday, 2 July 2025. These questions are designed to delve a bit deeper and allow us to get a better understanding of what makes them such outstanding apprentices.
Winners Announced
Starting in September, the six Region Winners and then the Overall Winner will be announced. Stay tuned!
Want to let your star apprentice shine in this year’s Rising Stars Award?
Head to cap.coop/stars or scan the QR code to fill in the nomination form now!
*2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Terms and Conditions apply, visit cap. coop/tc. All prizes are in Australian dollars apart from cash prizes which will be in Australian or New Zealand Dollars depending upon the recipient’s location.
June 2026 / Cefalù / Sicily
Become a Member Director
Mark Cooper
Be the envy of the car wash.
Whether you need a people mover, a weekend warrior or a zippy new car to liven the commute, Hyundai has the car for you at exclusive Capricorn Member fleet prices. Drive away with easy finance options, insurance or even a Fuel Card from Capricorn to keep you moving for less. Better still, it can be paid for entirely through your Trade Account.
Scan to access Hyundai’s exclusive offer and start to shine.
Reinventing the
W HEEL
How Tyrecycle is working towards a more sustainable future.
Australia imports the equivalent of around 74 million passenger tyres each year. That’s around 705,000 tonnes of rubber and steel which, at the end of the product’s life, could end up going to landfill.
Fortunately, that’s not what happens. According to TyreStewardship Australia, 87% of Australia’s passenger and truck tyres are successfully recycled into new products.
WHEEL
For the past 32 years, Capricorn Preferred Supplier Tyrecycle has been doing a lot of that recycling. The company, owned by ResourceCo, has nine dedicated tyre recycling facilities across Australia and reprocesses the equivalent of 80,000 car tyres a day—or around 20 million tyres a year. It has processing centres in every state (but not the NT or ACT), including a new facility in WA’s Pilbara region that specialises in recycling the four-metre diameter tyres used by the mining industry. They also operate a nation-wide used tyre collection service to ensure a steady supply of materials to these processing centres.
Jason Campbell, Tyrecycle National Sales Manager, said the company turns the tyres into two types of products—a tyre-derived smallchip fuel that can be used instead of coal or gas by a number of heavy industries (like cement kilns), and fine milled rubber granules, that are used in road base, drainage aggregate, sporting and playground surfaces, and brake pads.
“Historically, the fuel has all been exported; we’re at the very early stages of starting to use it in Australia,” Jason said. “It’s a very good fuel. Tyrecycle has a full auditing process and the material only goes to end users that have sound environmental and safety practices. Our biggest market, Japan, has very strict air-quality controls and practices, for example.”
While the fuel for cement kilns still has the steel in it, tyres processed to a finer crumb do not—which means Tyrecycle is also extracting and recycling 20 tonnes of steel each day.
But where are all those tyres coming from to get processed? They’re being collected from workshops like D&G Tyre Sales in Port Augusta, South Australia.
D&G owner and Capricorn Member Darren Willis said a Tyrecycle truck visits his business every month to collect waste tyres. The truck carries around 1,000 tyres and Darren said it goes away full each month.
“Which shows you how much we do,” he said. “So Tyrecycle is good for us
because it’s not over the top pricewise, and we actually incorporate the cost of the collection into our price per tyre now.”
While D&G’s customers pay a little bit extra, Darren is able to leverage guaranteed sustainable tyre disposal in his marketing.
“We advertise it everywhere,” he said. “It’s on our doors as you walk in; there’s pamphlets on our front desk where you can read all about it.”
Darren said the fact Tyrecycle collects tyres whenever he needs makes the service convenient.
“I suggest people use Tyrecycle,” he added. “They’re prompt. They’ll ring you and say, ‘do you need a truck this week?’ and they’ll actually turn up.”
End of life tyres are a prescribed waste material in most states, which means there’s a certain level of admin associated with their disposal. Jason said Tyrecycle works closely with their customers to complete the legal waste tracking requirements once the tyres arrive at their plant.
Vespa
CLASSIC RIDE
The ‘ wasp ’ that conquered the world.
In Italy, the Vespa is everywhere. You see them parked up and crowding street corners throughout Rome and lining pathways along the Arno River in Florence. You see them zipping along the coastal roads between the villages and great historic cities of Sicily, like Syracuse, Palermo, and Cefalù – where the 2026 Capricorn Convention is being held. The humble little motorised scooter was an instant success. When Enrico Piaggio commissioned the aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio to design a motorcycle at the end of World War II, he wasn’t planning to create a cultural icon; he was looking for a product his factories (which had been extensively bombed) could make now that his planes were no longer needed for the war effort.
D’Ascanio, apparently, hated motorcycles. He thought they were dirty, heavy and unreliable. So, he applied his aeronautical design skills to the brief and designed a scooter with a 98 cc engine mounted beside the rear wheel, meaning the wheel could be directly driven from the transmission. That, in turn, meant no dirty drive chain. The design was step-through and included a front splashboard—the features that gave the Vespa its distinctive, iconic look. But it was when Piaggio saw the prototype in action, and heard the 98 cc engine, that the scooter finally got its name. He is said to have exclaimed, “It sounds like a wasp!” The word for wasp in Italian? Vespa, of course.
The Vespa was patented in 1946. The following year, Piaggio sold 2,500 units. He increased the motor to 125 cc and, in 1948, sold more than 10,000 units. In 1949, he sold 20,000. In 1950, 60,000. But it was the release two years later of the movie Roman Holiday, which featured Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn riding through the Italian capital on a Vespa, which cemented the Vespa’s global stardom. Piaggio sold more than 100,000 Vespas that year. Within a few years, the scooter was being manufactured under licence across Europe, India, Brazil and Indonesia. In 1959, Piaggio was bought out by Fiat, by which time the company had sold two million Vespas. By the 1980s, more than 10 million had been sold.
The Vespa took off because it was a cheap form of transportation for the masses—and it still is today, which is why you’ll see Vespa (and other scooter models) wherever you go in Italy. But in the post-war era it was part
of a trend for small, affordable vehicles that included other icons, like the Citroen 2CV, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Morris Minor and the British Motor Corporation’s Mini.
The popularity of the Vespa hit new heights during the “mod” era of the swinging 1960s, particularly in the UK. “Mods” (short for modern) were fashionable young people who eschewed the austerity of the war generation (their parents’ generation) and who railed against the class system and cared about music, culture, politics, clothes and design. They were aspirational and their influence endures today, particularly in the fashion industry. But it was their embrace of the Vespa that really helped cement the scooter as a pop culture icon.
“The Mods had a decisive influence on how a city was experienced through mobility,” Vespa says on its website. “They populated the roads with Vespas to communicate a sense of community through a sense of style. The Mods used Vespa to communicate their commitment to breaking standards and carefree fun, both in terms of fashion and lifestyle.”
In the 1960s, it was as common to see a Vespa GS fanging down London’s popular Carnaby Street, or the King’s Road in Chelsea, as it was to see one zipping down the Via del Corso in Rome. A key difference being that, in the UK, the Vespas often bore the RAF roundel (a target symbol with a red centre, surrounded by a white circle that is incased in a larger blue circle.)—which became the graphic symbol for the Mod movement.
In the 1990s, Vespa found itself in trouble thanks to problems with the leadership at Fiat, which saw the scooter brand bought by private equity. By 2003, it was close to bankruptcy, when Italian entrepreneur Roberto Colaninno bought a stake in Piaggio and the rights to run it. Piaggio was back on the road, and so were Vespas. Some 58,000 were produced in 2004. By 2018, more than 210,000 Vespas were being produced each year.
Today, the Vespa is as popular as ever—with more than 18 million of them on roads all over the world. They’re a quintessentially Italian design and a beloved global phenomenon. But they’re also still a great way to get around, whether you’re a Mod or not. Which is why you still see plenty of them all over Italy. Why not take a tour in a Vespa to explore Cefalù and Sicily at the Capricorn Convention in 2026?
Why you should be training your apprentice in the
ART of CUSTOMER SERVICE
Apprentices already have a lot to learn; but training them in customer service is just as important as teaching them their trade.
The service your customers experience has a direct impact on whether they will use your workshop next time they need a service or repair. According to data from Salesforce, 88 per cent of customers say good customer service makes them more likely to return to a business, and 80 per cent say the experience a business provides is as important as its goods and services.
WA-based customer service expert Chris Smoje, author of All-In Culture: Lead Your People to be of Service, said everyone in an organisation should receive the same customer service training, including apprentices and employees who have little or no face-to-face contact with customers.
“From a long-term and cultural perspective, there’s nothing more powerful than uniting an entire organisation around one central concept, which is ‘the customer’,” he said.
“This really sends a message around the importance of service in the organisation.”
Chris said there are other benefits, too. Training apprentices in customer service means your apprentice can see firsthand how their work impacts the customer. It also means the apprentice is trained to deal directly with customers and can “step up” into a customer-facing role at any moment, and you can be confident they will provide the level of service you and your customers expect.
In short, you’re diversifying their skill set and making them more useful— which is especially handy at the busiest of times.
“That’s a huge plus,” Chris said. Customer service training has come a long way from the traditional view of the 1980s and 90s, where it was all about steps (e.g., step one: greet the customer, step two: ask what they need, etc).
“Customers aren’t predictable to follow steps and staff don’t enjoy this kind of training,” Chris said. “If we could start with one thing, it would be awareness. Some customers need more help than others; some customers need things done quicker than others; some customers might need more assurances about the work being done than others.”
“Awareness training helps staff see that customer service can be delivered differently depending upon the customer and the situation.”
Rather than in-house training, Chris recommends bringing in an expert in customer service to train not just apprentices, but all staff.
“Programs developed in-house are hard to keep updated and are pulled from a variety of sources,” he said. “Training from a customer service expert is well researched in terms of content and will be highly motivational, engaging and, most importantly, encouraging to those in the room.”
Getting a solid foundation in customer service sets up an apprentice to be an excellent, well-rounded, diversely talented employee, who will be a great asset to your business long-term. It also teaches them skills they will use throughout their careers— potentially including running their own business someday.
In rural Australia, distance can be a workshop’s greatest challenge. For Riverland Collision Centre in Berri, South Australia, this challenge was threatening their ability to deliver timely repairs and get customers back on the road quickly.
Jake Beaumont, Assistant Manager, said one of the workshop’s biggest headaches was handling vehicles that required calibration for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or new windscreens but had no local dealership support.
“For brands like BMW and Volkswagen, the nearest dealership is in Adelaide— about 250 kilometres away,” he said. “We had to tow vehicles that distance just to get a calibration done.”
That created a major bottleneck, which negatively impacted the workshop’s efficiency, productivity and profitability and often blew out repair times by several weeks, causing big problems with customer satisfaction.
“We had to schedule everything around the dealership’s availability,” Jake said. “Sometimes that meant a three-week delay, just to complete a simple job. (That meant) we couldn’t complete the repair and would return the vehicle to the customer.”
Everything changed when Collision Area Manager, Shane, introduced Jake and the Riverland Collision Centre team to Repairify — an advanced diagnostic and calibration technology designed especially to help workshops efficiently service vehicles, to a high safety standard.
“While it seemed a bit complex at first, we realised how beneficial it would be,” Jake said. “There was a lot of information to take in initially, but after using the system a few times, it became second nature.”
Repairify’s Remote Services allowed the workshop to perform those previously outsourced scans and calibrations in-house, giving them greater control over their workflow and getting customers back on the road much sooner
“The Remote Services have been a game changer,” Jake said. “Instead of booking vehicles into dealerships, we handle ADAS calibration in-house, which reduces turnaround time significantly. It’s also been great for diagnostics — identifying engine lights and clearing fault codes without
needing additional tools. Not to mention for 360-degree camera calibrations, blind spot monitoring sensors and radar coding. Before Repairify, we couldn’t do many of these calibrations ourselves. Now, I don’t think we’ve had a radar calibration we couldn’t complete.”
Jake said that having access to Repairify’s experienced technical support team had also been invaluable. “Sometimes, we’ve plugged in for a calibration and weren’t sure about the fault codes. The Repairify team, which includes former dealership technicians, quickly guided us through troubleshooting remotely.”
Repairify hasn’t just improved efficiency; it has transformed Riverland Collision’s business.
“It’s made life easier,” Jake explained. “If there’s an issue, we can diagnose it immediately instead of waiting for a dealership. That speeds up key-tokey times, meaning cars don’t sit in the workshop waiting for third-party intervention.”
The workshop has become an ADAS Preferred Repairer, with other workshops in the region now taking vehicles to Riverland for calibration, rather than towing them to Adelaide.
For customers and insurers, the results are clear: Repairify leads to reduced wait times and improved service quality. Would Jake recommend it to other workshops?
“100 per cent,” he said. “It’s essential. We wouldn’t go back.”
While the Repairify diagnostic tool can be purchased and operated in its own right, there is also a link tool, Repairify asTech Link, which connects you directly to a Repairify Remote Services technician without the need for diagnostic tools. This means you and your team can tap into the Remote Services from Repairify for assistance to complete more complex jobs you might otherwise have sent off to the OEM. Your Area Manager can talk to you about the Repairify solution that works best for your workshop.
Find out more at repairify.com.au.
8 essential skills for the next generation of business owners
by Geoff Mutton
As the current generation of business owners in the aftermarket sector rapidly approaches retirement, now is a good time to be asking what the next generation is going to need in order to succeed in the years ahead. One thing is certainly clear, they’ll need to equip themselves with skills and knowledge to match the next generation of vehicles.
There's no sign of the car manufacturing industry slowing down its inexorable technological transformation, so it follows that surviving and thriving will require a new and diverse skill set from those that have taken the reins.
A rapid avalanche of new technology, changing customer expectations and an evolving business landscape all demand a new approach to running a successful aftermarket operation. Let's explore the key areas for future business owners to focus on in order to give themselves the best possible chance at success.
1 Strong electrical foundation
In the modern automotive world, a robust understanding of electrical systems is paramount. Whether dealing with internal combustion engines or electric vehicles, technicians must possess a strong electrical foundation. Modern vehicles are equipped with complex electronic systems, and the ability to diagnose and repair these systems is crucial. This includes understanding wiring diagrams, control modules and the integration of various electronic components. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, knowledge of battery management systems and electric drivetrains will be essential.
2 Proficient diagnostics skills
Proficiency in using advanced diagnostic tools and software will be essential for modern automotive businesses. This includes scan tools, oscilloscopes and smoke machines. Understanding telematics and connected car technologies is also becoming increasingly important. As vehicles become more technologically advanced, the ability to diagnose and repair complex systems will be a key differentiator for successful businesses.
3 Networking and relationship building
No one can solve everything on their own anymore. In order to thrive, future technicians must be willing to tap into their networks and ask for help. Being part of professional networks and groups provides access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. Collaborating with peers, sharing experiences, and seeking advice can lead to innovative solutions and improved business practices. Networking also opens up opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that can drive business growth.
4 An adaptable and open mindset
In an industry characterised by rapid technological advancements, having an adaptable and open mindset is crucial. Business owners must be willing to evolve and learn continuously. The days of becoming qualified and never attending training again are gone. Staying updated with the latest automotive technologies and repair techniques is essential. Engaging in continuous professional development and training ensures that business owners and their teams remain competitive and capable of handling new challenges.
5 Presenting as “technicians” and not “mechanics”
The image of low-skilled mechanics covered in grease is a thing of the past. Business owners must present themselves as highly trained and skilled technicians. This shift in perception can change how customers view the industry and what they are willing to pay for services. By emphasising their expertise and professionalism, technicians can build trust with customers and position themselves as trusted community members that provide a valuable service.
6 Managing people
The days of having employees for life are becoming increasingly rare. Modern business owners need to develop strong people management skills to attract and retain talented staff. This involves creating a positive work environment, offering opportunities for professional growth, and recognising and rewarding employee contributions. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are also vital in managing a diverse workforce. By fostering a supportive and flexible workplace culture, business owners can build a loyal and motivated team.
7 Office technology and software
Customer demands and expectations are continually growing, so workshops must keep up with office technology. Workshop technology is all about improving administration efficiency. Workshop management software helps streamline operations, manage inventory, and track customer interactions. Customer relationship management systems can enhance customer service and retention by providing personalised experiences. Additionally, embracing digital tools for scheduling, invoicing, and communication can improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
8 Digital marketing and online presence
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for those in the automotive industry. Future business owners might not be experts in these fields, but they will need to be willing to invest in digital marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO) to effectively reach and engage with their target audience.
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn offer powerful tools for connecting with customers and building brand awareness.
SEO ensures that a business's website ranks well in search engine results. By optimising website content with relevant keywords and maintaining a user-friendly design, businesses can improve their visibility and drive more traffic to their site.
The next generation of aftermarket business owners must embrace a multifaceted approach to succeed in an evolving industry. By focusing on these key areas, they can navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, ensuring long-term success and growth. The ability to adapt, learn, and innovate will be the defining characteristics of successful business leaders in the years to come.
Fun Zone
Submit your entry at cap.coop/funzone by 31 May 2025
February winner: DEAN’S CAR CARE who WON 5,000 Bonus Rewards Points
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE (5 differences to find!) Last Month’s Answers Please
WORD HUNTER (15 words to find!)
