An annual event identifying and promoting women in the car industry will, for the first time, have a category for apprentices.

Every ear, Autocar’s annual Great British Women in the Car Industry looks for the most promising women working in UK automotive industry, and celebrates the top 100 at an annual awards ceremony.

This year, winners will also be picked in the new apprentices category, alongside those in the existing categories of vehicle development, manufacturing, purchasing, retail, marketing, communications, design, motorsport and executive.

Candidates must be nominated by friends, colleagues or their employers, with judges taking into account the influence or potential future influence each individual has when making their decision.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “We need to attract the most talented people to enter the workplace. We want to highlight successful women who’ve made a difference in UK automotive and to provide inspiration for many others considering their future careers.”

To submit a nomination, please email jim.holder@haymarket.com, Autocar’s editorial director, with the name of the nominee, their CV and a paragraph on why they deserve to be there by April 3. There is no limit to the number of nominations that can be made.

The winners will be announced on June 21