TWO degree apprentices from Andover-based Be Wiser insurance have been nominated for a prestigious award.

Ashley Mutambarade and Sam Brown have been put forward for the Apprentice of the Year category of the INSPIRE17 Business Awards.

They are both in the second year of their BA (Hons) degrees in insurance.

They were proposed by their apprenticeship assessor as being outstanding learners throughout the course of their apprenticeship.

Ashley, 20, said: “I am honoured to be nominated. An apprenticeship is revolutionary as it is the perfect match of both education and practical work.”

Sam, 19, added: “The programme has involved a lot of work this year, and being my first job, I have had to learn so much in the last 12 months.

"It is really nice to see that Be Wiser has chosen me to be nominated for this award, because it shows that my efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Sam, who is 19 years old.

The INSPIRE 17 awards are open to businesses in North Hampshire and have 13 categories. Judging takes place in October when finalists from each category are chosen and the award ceremony takes place in November.