Capricorn Society has acquired Recruitment Innovations Pty Ltd trading as Australian Skilled Migration (ASM), a migration agency registered in Victoria, which specialises in automotive and other industry international recruitment.
Capricorn is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest and most dynamic member-owned organisations. For over 50 years Capricorn has provided it members with financial and business solutions to make running a business easier.
Brad Gannon, Capricorn Group CEO is thrilled with the acquisition.
“Capricorn’s Members are predominately from the automotive and machinery sectors, industries which are facing real and ongoing skills shortages,” he said.
“Capricorn Members have told us year-on-year that finding skilled workers is their number one challenge. By acquiring ASM we are bringing that capacity into the Group, making it easier for our small business members to find international recruits to help them support their local communities.”
Glenn Cole, ASM general manager says he is looking forward to being a part of Capricorn.
“Today Australian Skilled Migration joins an organisation which aims to make a difference to small business all over the country. Like Capricorn, we see ourselves as part of our client’s community, connecting them with the right workers to help them build their business,” he said.
“As a small business ourselves, we know how important the support of an organisation like Capricorn can be and we’re just really thrilled to be joining an organisation which believes in the same principles and values that we have.”
ASM joins Capricorn at a time of growth with the member organisation surpassing 32,000 members for the first time in its 50-year history. Capricorn members include mechanical, auto electrical, panel & paint and tyre and suspension workshops as well as allied industries.
Each year Capricorn publishes a State of the Nation report highlighting the key challenges in the automotive sector in Australia. The 2025 report shows that the skills shortage continues to be the most pressing issue in the automotive aftermarket, with 48 per cent of workshops being affected. Of these 38 per cent said they were actively struggling to find qualified workers.
“The skill shortage has ongoing impacts on small businesses in the automotive industry. For some businesses it stops them from taking on new work or impacts how quickly they can get cars back on the road. But for others it impacts their mental health and quality of life,” Gannon said.
“It’s an ongoing issue and one the industry needs to continue to come together to combat. As well as the acquisition announced today, Capricorn will continue to support local apprentices through our Rising Stars awards, and looks forward to growing our support of career expos around the country.”