Lachlan Madsen has been celebrated as the 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year

Twenty-one-year-old apprentice Lachlan Madsen, from Lidcombe, has beaten hundreds of contenders across Australia and New Zealand to claim the title of 2025 Capricorn Rising Star Apprentice of the Year.
Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer, Brad Gannon, said Lachlan embodies the spirit of the Rising Stars Awards.
“Lachlan’s not just solving problems, he’s shaping the future. Apprentices like Lachlan are why we created these awards,” Brad said.
For Lachlan, these awards showcase that potential associated with a career in automotive.
“I think these awards are really important to showcase that young people, like me, can do just as well as skilled professionals and that the motor trade is really something people should focus more on,” Lachlan said.
“Trades in general are perfect for anyone who likes getting hands on and you can be any age to start your apprenticeship.”
Capricorn explains that its Capricorn Rising Stars Awards, supported by Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer, do more than celebrate talent.
The Group states the awards spotlight the next generation of automotive leaders at a time when the industry faces a critical skills shortage.
Indeed, Capricorn’s 2025 State of the Nation Report shows over 50 percent of workshops struggle to find good staff, and nearly 40 percent can’t secure skilled technicians.
“By recognising apprentices like Lachlan, Rising Stars sends a powerful message: the future of the trade is bright, and investing in young talent is essential for business sustainability,” Brad said.
“These stories matter because they showcase innovation, resilience, and career pathways in an industry that keeps Australia and New Zealand moving.”

For more information, visit www.capricorn.coop