National Apprenticeship Employer Awards

Bentley’s successful Apprenticeship programme has been recognised at the National Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Awards 2009.

After winning the North West Regional Finals in May, Julia Gill, Attraction and Development Manager for Trainees, was presented with the commendation at a National Finals in London in July.

Over 100,000 companies nationwide now participate in the National Apprenticeship Scheme, and Bentley’s programme was recognised as one of the best in the Country and ranked in the top three in the large business category.

The Learning and Skills Council commended the breadth of the scheme with the programme including all areas of the business, from manufacturing and logistics to sales and marketing. Apprentices also have the opportunity to expand their skills and knowledge with a placement abroad, working within the Volkswagen Group as part of an exchange programme. Apprentices from within the Group are also offered the chance to experience working within the luxury car sector at the Crewe site.

Apprentices follow a three to four year development programme, gaining experience in a number of disciplines and attend local colleges to achieve the necessary academic qualifications. The programme is renowned for producing high calibre apprentices. Recently Bentley Associate and former Apprentice, Chris Coates, has been selected to compete in the World Skills competition in Canada later this year.

Christine Gaskell, Member of the Board for Personnel and Apprenticeship Ambassador explained,
“We are exceptionally proud of this award. Being recognised at not only a regional, but a national level, is a great testament to everyone involved in the scheme. Recruiting apprentices enables Bentley Motors to meet our skills needs in critical areas. It allows us to select the right person and develop them in a way that meets the needs of both the company and the apprentice.

The automotive industry is a great place to work and, as this award demonstrates, it is a sector which all ambitious young people should consider if they want a challenging but rewarding career.”