Chris Robertson, of Tarbert, Argyll, who last year completed a modern apprenticeship in trees and timber, beat 11 other finalists to take the top honours, along with a £350 cash prize.
Ian Wilson, modern apprentice scheme training supervisor in the West Argyll area, said the scheme was “fantastic” for the timber industry.
“The training and experience enables the apprentices to become first-class machine operators,” he said. “This is critical for the industry, as there is a shortage of operators.”
Chris and colleague, Murray Livingstone, were the first in the UK to successfully complete the trees and timber modern apprenticeship, and were presented with their certificates by Rhona Brankin, former deputy minister of environment and rural development.
William Fergusson, Lantra national director for Scotland, said that Chris had shown “outstanding commitment to his own development”.
“He has taken full advantage of the opportunities avaliable to him through the apprenticeship to become proficient in a number of areas within the business,” he said.
