Two former Lewisham Council apprentices have beaten off hundreds of entrants to be awarded as “highly commended” at the London final of the National Apprenticeship Awards 2014.

Lauren Ouzman, 21, a former emergency planning apprentice was praised for the Advanced Level Apprentice of the Year award and 22-year-old Ramel Foster, a former library apprentice was highly praised for Learndirect Intermediate Level Apprentice of the Year award.

Following the success of their apprenticeships both are now employed by Lewisham Council.

The National Apprenticeship Awards, celebrating the country’s most outstanding apprenticeships and employers, is now in it’s eleventh year.

Lauren Ouzman said: “I’m really proud to have made it so far, and proud of Lewisham for having two apprentices in the finals.”

Ramel Foster said: “It was a great experience to be highly commended at the National Apprenticeship regional awards. I was delighted to represent Lewisham.”

Winners were announced at a City Hall ceremony organised by the National Apprentice Service on Tuesday with awards being presented by Boris Johnson and Tim Campbell, the first ever winner of BBC show The Apprentice.

Mayor of Lewisham Steve Bullock, who also attended the ceremony, said: “I am delighted that Lauren and Ramel were recognised in their categories and would like to congratulate them on their success. They should be very proud of themselves. All of our apprentices are an absolute inspiration to others, and a great advertisement for what young people in Lewisham can achieve.”