The 20-year-old, who is two years into an automotive engineering apprenticeship at Mosgiel Towing and Mechanical, said he was surprised to win the award.
''I saw the calibre of the other finalists and thought no way. I do work really hard and I try and do my assignments to a high standard, so it was nice to get that recognition,'' Mr Fretwell said.
He received the award at the MTA Otago branch's annual meeting and local prize-giving on June 12 and received a certificate, a plaque and a Repco voucher.
His employers and co-workers at Mosgiel Towing and Mechanical were supportive and had the latest diagnostic equipment to work with, he said.
''The gear we have here really helps me learn and gives me good experience.''
He also received a variety of work experience there. Part of the job was leaving the workshop to provide roadside rescue services.
''You head out with a handful of tools and have to use your head. It really keeps me on my toes - having to constantly think of innovative ways to get people going on the side of the road.''
The apprenticeship was expected to take about four years in total and he had four assignments left to complete the theory side of it.
''After that I'll probably try and find something else to study - the electronic side of things really interests me so maybe something along those lines.''
When he was in year 12 and 13 at Trident High School, in Whakatane, Ben spent two days a week completing his pre-trade qualifications at the Waiariki Institute of Technology.
In both years he graduated at the top of the automotive engineering class.
Mosgiel Towing and Mechanical owner Tony Fox said Ben was good worker who was always eager to learn.
''He's really good with customers and he always wants to learn. We've had positive feedback from people who were extremely satisfied with the service he provided them during roadside rescue,'' Mr Fox said.
- David Beck
