Mr Fretwell was the the only New Zealand apprentice to make the final 20 of the award and received a prize-pack of more than $12,500 worth of products in a surprise presentation yesterday.
He won the prize after providing an impressive submission to the judging panel of industry heavyweights, and following intensive reference checks with his teachers and workplace.
Benjamin adds this award to a busy year of accolades, having recently been awarded the Otago MTA Apprentice of the Year for 2015.
His dedication to his career won praise from the judging panel.
''Once I finish this apprenticeship, I would like to go on to further study,'' his submission said.
''I think completing the electrical and A Tech qualifications would equip me with the skills I need to become a successful business owner.''
Ben's employer, Tony Fox, of Mosgiel Towing and Mechanical, said he could not speak highly enough of the apprentice.
''Ben is exceptionally capable. He's a very proactive apprentice and doesn't wait to be asked to do anything. He is well liked by our customers and we have no issues in leaving him with real challenges in the workshop.
''We do a lot of roadside rescues, and Ben is great at working out how to get a vehicle moving again with only limited tools,'' Mr Fox said.
Now in its seventh year, Snap-on Tools' annual awards programme received more than 300 entries from apprentices across Australia and New Zealand - from small petrol stations to underground mining operations.
The judging panel for the award was V8 Supercar driver Michael Caruso, Motor Traders' Association of New South Wales 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, and Snap-on Tools business manager and auto engineer Alan Moon.
