An esteemed panel of judges has awarded Kiwi auto mechanic Benjamin Fretwell, 20, of Dunedin the 2015 Snap-on Tools Australia Apprentice of the Year Award, taking home over AUD$12,500.
This is the first time in the seven-year history of the award that the prize has been awarded to a New Zealander.
Fretwell, an apprentice at Mosgiel Towing and Mechanical, took out the prize this year following intensive reference checks with his teachers and workplace. He adds this award to a busy year of accolades, having recently been awarded the Otago MTA apprentice of the year for 2015.
“Once I finish this apprenticeship, I would like to go on to further study,” says Fretwell in his submission.
“I think completing the electrical and A Tech qualifications would equip me with the skills I need to become a successful business owner.”
A 21-year-old motorcycle apprentice from Adelaide, Harrison Norton, fought off the competition to be awarded the 2015 Snap-on Tools Australia Apprentice of the Year Rising Star Award, taking home $2500 worth of prizes and the accolade of industry leaders.
A shortlist of 20 finalists was scrutinised by a panel of judges including:
• V8 Supercar driver, Michael Caruso;
• Motor Traders’ Association of NSW, RTO Manager, Greg Baxendale;
• Defence Force – Army, HQ Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National
Technical Training Manager, Wayne Allan;
• Auto Skills Australia, Training Package Specialist, Stuart Behrend;
• Snap-on Tools Business Manager and auto engineer Alan Moon.
