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June 26, 2026 – The 2026 Capricorn Rising Star Awards have put a fresh spotlight on the next generation of automotive technicians. Repco, one of the aftermarket's most familiar names, has renewed its backing, and the timing could not feel more relevant as workshops everywhere struggle to find skilled hands.
Capricorn, the member-owned cooperative serving independent workshops across Australia and New Zealand, designed the awards to recognize young technicians who go beyond the day-to-day grind. It's not just about fixing cars—it's about craftsmanship, problem solving, and the attitude that turns a routine service into a reason for a customer to come back.
The awards also give shop owners a way to show apprentices that this trade has a future. In an industry that has often leaned on a “pay your dues” culture, programs like this make younger workers feel seen. And when retention is a top shop concern, that matters.
Repco's renewed involvement strengthens the program's credibility. As a supplier that has served the trade for generations, Repco's presence signals that parts and service need to grow together. The company has been a consistent supporter of trade development, and its continued participation in the Rising Star Awards is one more sign that the aftermarket is serious about closing the skills gap.
Let's not pretend the challenge is unique to Australia. In the United States, the conversation around technician shortages is just as urgent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects only modest growth in automotive service technician jobs over the next decade, yet demand for diagnostics-heavy repairs keeps climbing. Older technicians are retiring faster than the industry is replacing them.
That's where awards like Capricorn's can be a playbook for U.S. shop owners. Recognition is relatively inexpensive, and its effect on morale is enormous. An award doesn't replace a good paycheck, but it tells a young technician: we see you, we value you, and we want you to stay.
Another layer: today's technicians are no longer just turning wrenches. Electric vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems, and connected-car software mean the job demands continuous education. The Rising Star Awards evaluate more than speed; they highlight how well a technician adapts to new technology. That's a useful lesson for any shop owner—if learning isn't part of the culture, the people who want to grow will go somewhere else.
For the winners, the impact is practical. A rising star award adds a strong line to a résumé and gives a young technician more confidence when negotiating job moves or promotions. For the shop, it becomes a point of pride and a marketing hook. “We train award-winning techs” can be the difference when a customer is deciding between a dealership and an independent garage.
Repco's renewal also sends a message to the wider supplier community. When a major parts brand invests in talent recognition, it encourages other suppliers to do the same. Independent shops often can't fund large development programs alone; supplier partnerships can be the bridge.
Over the past few years, Capricorn has expanded the Rising Star Awards across more states and categories. The 2026 program is expected to include diagnostics, customer service, and leadership elements, reflecting how the technician role has evolved. While the full list of finalists and winners is still being finalized, the nomination flow alone points to a healthy pipeline of motivated young professionals entering the trade.
The big takeaway for U.S. readers? It's not only about recruiting new techs—it's about keeping them. Recognition, structured growth, and strong supplier support are not perks; they are retention tools. Independent shops can borrow from this model by celebrating standout apprentices, creating annual honors, and partnering with parts distributors to sponsor training nights or simple awards.
If the aftermarket wants to solve its labor problem, it needs more than higher pay. It needs status. The 2026 Capricorn Rising Star Awards, with Repco's renewed commitment, show that a simple spotlight can be one of the most powerful tools in the workshop.
