An apprentice from Plaistow is celebrating after winning Best Intern Award at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Apprenticeship Awards.

Femi Erinoso, 24, was a joint winner in the Best Placement/Intern category at the annual awards ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday.

The awards are held to allow workers and employers to celebrate their hard work at the Olympic Park.

Now in their third year they recognise the achievements of apprentices and interns helping to deliver the legacy of the London 2012 games at the park in Stratford.

Femi, of Ada Gardens, Plaistow said: “I feel really appreciated. It feels amazing, a great feeling.

“I was given an opportunity to prove myself and I have been given an opportunity to meet many great people.”

Femi was recognised for his great work ethic, being willing to help others and using his initiative and knowledge of the project to help solve problems.

After leaving Brampton Manor Academy in Roman Road, East Ham, at 14, Femi had struggled to find focus and a job he enjoyed.

But after completing a four week internship for Laing O’Rourke he was taken on full-time.

He now works as a banksman, directing and marshalling vehicles at the park.

He has also completed a Traffic Marshal NVQ.

He said: “My manager liked my perseverance and that got me the job.

“It’s very good to learn new things. You get more knowledge, it shows what you can be if you work hard.

“There is always light at the end of tunnel.

“If you put in work, people will recognise you.”

Femi says he would encourage anybody to take up an apprenticeship or internship.

“You are given the opportunity to learn and you get paid for it.

“Here they pay for your course and you get paid to work, it’s a double whammy.”

David Goldstone, chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation said: “Huge congratulations to this year’s winners.

“I am sure that every single one of our apprentices has a bright future ahead of them.

“Providing jobs and opportunities for young people is at the heart of the legacy of the London 2012 Games and we’re delighted to recognise the outstanding contribution apprentices and their employers make to the success of the Park at our annual awards.”

More than 150 apprenticeships have been provided at the Olympic Park with 61 apprentices working on the park this year alone.