Aston Martin chairman David Richards will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 West Midlands Engineering Apprentice of the Year Awards, which take place in Birmingham in November.

Mr Richards, also chairman of Warwickshire-based Pro Drive, will address more than 300 guests at this year’s event, now in its 11th year and hosted by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation.

As well as the apprentices, their families and company managing directors, representatives from government agencies, training providers, colleges and universities will also be attending.

EEF said that Aston Martin received over 1,500 applications for its apprenticeship scheme this year, destroying the myth that young people were not interested in a career in the automotive industry.

The awards are in two categories. The first, for those who have completed their first year of training while the other recognises apprentices who have recently completed or are just about to complete their training.

The first round of judging will take place in October which will result in a shortlist of finalists, who will then be invited to attend an interview with the judging panel.

The panel will choose an overall winner in both categories, the choices being announced during the awards dinner, which rake place at the ICC on November 12.

Shortlisted finalists will receive a cheque for £250, a certificate and an engraved memento of the evening. Overall winners will receive an additional cheque for £350, a certificate and engraved award.

In addition, there are Best Practice Awards for small companies with fewer than 150 employees and larger companies, the awards sponsored by The Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). There is also an award for organisations involved in providing apprentice training.