George Smid (19), who has worked at the Cromwell Auto Centre for the past two years, was awarded the Norman McPherson Memorial Trophy on June 14.
The Norman McPherson Memorial Trophy is made from the piston of an Auster aircraft - the type of plane McPherson was killed in while travelling from the West Coast to Alexandra in 2002.
The Central Otago Branch of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) presents the award annually.
Mr Smid said his manager Chris Coudret nominated him.
It will be another two years before he finishes his training. ‘‘I'll carry on working for Chris,'' Mr Smid said.
MTA Southern regions business development manager Jamie Moran said the award was given to an apprentice recognised for their community involvement and commitment to their apprenticeship.
‘‘George stood out,'' Mr Moran said.
By default, the apprentice's supervisor, Mr Coudret, wins the CO Branch of the MTA association Supervisor of the Year. ‘‘To have a good apprentice you need to have a good supervisor,'' Mr Moran said.
Mr Coudret said Mr Smid was the best apprentice he had employed. ‘‘I think he'll be a fantastic mechanic one day.''
