Bentley announces the company’s largest intake of apprentices in 25 years

Bentley has underlined its commitment to future skills development by announcing the company's largest intake of apprentices in 25 years.

63 apprentices are to be recruited for positions starting in September 2015. Applications will open
at www.bentleycareers.com for six weeks, with an open day held for prospective apprentices at its headquarters in Crewe on March 14, 2015.         

The majority of the new apprentices, 40, will be undertaking the newly developed manufacturing apprenticeship programme. Launched in 2014, the curriculum is designed and delivered by Bentley Master Trainers, during which apprentices will develop skills in areas such as Leather, Wood, Paint, and Mechatronics.

The scheme provides a dual education system of learning, a tailored method based on competence profiles with approximately 70 per cent of time devoted to practical and 30 per cent to theoretical learning within chosen professional areas.

A further 23 apprentices will be based in business areas at Bentley's global headquarters in Crewe, including Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Purchasing and Human Resources.

"At such an exciting time in Bentley's history, with our new SUV, the Bentayga, nearing production, we are investing heavily in our future. We have a highly skilled and passionate workforce, whose skills are passed on via the apprenticeship programme to create the Bentley experts of tomorrow. We are proud that this is our largest intake of apprentices in 25 years, demonstrating our commitment to development and training," said Marlies Rogait, Member of the Board for Human Resources.

Megan Aucott, third year Junior Engineer and current apprentice, said, "The real benefit of an apprenticeship is that I am able to start full-time employment without having to compromise my education. I work within Whole Vehicle Engineering - Design Check, and what I love about the role is I don't just have to work on the products in the virtual world, but I can physically go into the workshop and help to build prototype concepts."

"The role offers something different every day, a constant learning curve, keeping it fresh and interesting. As I get more experience I can see myself becoming more independent, taking on more responsibility and developing into a technical specialist in my department."

Posted in: Apprenticeship Programme,Bentley,Crewe,Europe