The Capricorn Rising Stars Award celebrate the next generation of automotive talent across Australia and NZ

Tasmania’s Cole Cleaves and Queensland’s Cody Chapman have been named as the Victoria/Tasmania and Queensland 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Region Winners.
Described by his mentor as a “once-in-a-lifetime apprentice,” Cole’s passion for diagnostics, commitment to quality, and a customer focused mindset have positioned him as an emerging leader in the trade.
Completing his apprenticeship at WD Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning, Cole exemplifies the importance of investing in the next generation of tradespeople, and his achievements highlight the critical role apprentices play in shaping Australia’s automotive future.
“It is clear from their nominations that Cole and Cody bring a level of professionalism, initiative and care that sets a benchmark for how apprentices can contribute,” Capricorn Chief Executive Officer Brad Gannon.
“Apprentices like Cole and Cody are the future of our industry, and we must continue to invest in and celebrate the vital role they play — especially in regional areas like Tasmania and Townsville, where skilled professionals are essential to local economies.”
In 2025, Cole also received the TasTAFE Trade Excellence Award for Automotive Final Year Apprentice of the Year.
Cole’s vision for the future is to become a leading diagnostic expert on Tasmania’s North-West coast by advancing his knowledge in electronic circuit repair and diagnostics.
“I look forward to increasing my knowledge base to be able to repair all faults associated with electrical components and keep all repairs in house,” Cole said.

Cody Chapman is a 21-year-old third-year diesel fitter apprentice with Morgan Transport Group in Townsville.
In his nomination, Cody’s manager praised his preparation, process and results as he is consistently ahead of his peers during training blocks – proof that his work ethic, leadership and appetite for learning aren’t just talk; they’re tested on the workshop floor.
Looking down the road, Cody sees himself running a workshop fulltime, doubling down on mentorship and passing on the finer points of the craft – especially the complex jobs that build confidence and capability.
“I look forward to sharing everything I’ve learned with the next group of apprentices. I know firsthand how valuable it is when someone takes the time to explain more technical or difficult tasks while you’re learning,” Cody said.
2025 marks the first year Capricorn will be awarding Region Winners as well as an Overall Winner for the Rising Stars Award, rewarding more apprentices than ever before, with Cole and Cody joining four other Region Winners in the race for the national title, to be announced later this year.
Winning the Capricorn Rising Stars Award – established in 2018 and supported by longstanding industry partners Castrol, Repco, and The Workshop Whisperer – can be a career defining moment for both finalists and winners, while also boosting the reputation of the workshop that has supported, trained and recognised their talent.
Now in its eighth year, the program plays a vital role in developing the next generation of automotive talent, helping Capricorn Members attract and retain skilled workers, and supporting the industry as it navigates skills shortages, the transition to EVs and an increasingly competitive landscape.

For more information, please visit www.capricorn.coop/rising-stars