Frequently Asked Questions
Graduate Trainee Programme
When should I be applying to join the Graduate Trainee Programme?
Applications will be accepted from end of October onwards.
How long will my training period last?
The scheme is scheduled to last 2 years. However, this depends on the individual and the role, the average is between 12 - 24 months.
When is the start date?
The start date will be September each year. You will attend a one-week induction programme with the other trainees. You will cover an induction to Bentley, the training scheme and it will also help you to get to know your colleagues.
What does the assessment consist of?
An assessment centre comprising of a behaviourally based interview, oral presentation, group exercise and psychometric testing. This is usually carried out by a team of managers from the business, Academy and Personnel.
What degree do I need?
A 2.1 degree. For example Engineering graduates will have a relevant degree e.g. Mechanical, Electronic and Electrical or Automotive Engineering which is accredited by the relevant professional body (IMechE or IEE); For all other positions a 2:1 or above in a suitable / relevant subject is required.
Do I need to speak any languages?
German would definitely be an advantage as our parent company is Volkswagen AG. We encourage all graduates to learn German through our in-house courses.
How will my performance be measured?
Through regular reviews with your manager and the Academy. This is based on your individual development plan and objectives. Your pay, which is performance based, will also be reviewed regularly.
What support can I expect?
Your sponsoring manager will oversee your development programme and guide you through this, preparing you for your first position. Sponsoring managers and graduates work closely with the Academy to ensure your programme meets both business and individual needs.
Will I stay in one position or move around the business?
You will have a target position that you are working towards. Depending on your needs, your development programme will include placements and / or projects within the same and other functions.
Where will I be based?
Most of our graduates are based at our head office in Crewe, south Cheshire. At Bentley, all our functions are on one site. This is a huge advantage for our graduates in appreciating the complete business. Crewe is within easy travelling distance to Chester, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. Most of our graduates move to Crewe from other parts of the country. Further information regarding accommodation will be forwarded to you once you have been offered a position.
Are there opportunities for travel?
Your work will almost certainly include some travel to Germany. We have strong links with graduates from the rest of the Volkswagen Group and have a VW Graduate Group meeting each year hosted by one of the Group Companies - Seat, Skoda, VW, Audi or Bentley.
Do I have a say in my development programme?
Absolutely. We treat every graduate as an individual so every programme looks different. You will agree this with your sponsoring manager and Academy.
Does Bentley support professional development?
Yes. The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Institute of Electrical Engineers and British Computer Society accredit our Graduate Development Programme. We encourage all graduates to pursue full membership of their relevant professional institution.
What does the Graduate Development Programme involve?
The programme prepares you for your career at Bentley Motors. We help you build your technical and professional, business and personal skills for your target position. To do this, your development plan will include placements, projects, core training workshops (e.g. presentation skills, project management, influencing skills) as well as speakers from across the business and forums with Members of the Board.
How many graduates do you recruit?
On average 8 - 10 each year. We understand the challenges of leaving university and starting work - it can be daunting. We build the graduates as a team through graduate induction and encourage the group to support and help each other. The existing graduates are also on hand to offer help and advice as you find your feet. This often includes lots of socialising!
Industrial Placement
When should I be applying for an Industrial Placement?
Applications will be accepted from end December onwards.
What does the assessment consist of?
An assessment centre comprising of behaviourally based interview, oral presentation and psychometric testing. This is usually carried out by a team of managers from the business, Academy and Personnel.
When is the start date?
The start date for industrial placements is normally July. The duration of the placement is normally 12 months.
What degree do I need to be studying for an Industrial Placement?
A degree relevant to the function you are interested in. For example, Engineering graduates will be studying Mechanical, Electronic and Electrical or Automotive Engineering which is accredited by the relevant professional body (IMechE or IEE); Finance graduates would be studying Finance and Accounting, and so on. As a minimum we expect 3 A levels at grade C and above (or equivalent).
Do I need to speak any languages?
German would definitely be an advantage as our parent company is Volkswagen AG. We encourage industrial placements to learn German through our in-house courses whilst on placement.
What sort of work will I be doing?
You will sit down with your placement manager and discuss your placement objectives - both business and personal. You will then have a set of deliverables over the 12 months which will really challenge and stretch you, so at the end of the year you have developed professionally and personally.
How will my performance be measured?
Through regular reviews with your manager and the Academy. This is based on your business and personal objectives.
What support can I expect?
Your placement manager will oversee your 12 month placement and guide you through this. Placement managers and placement students work closely with the Academy to ensure your time at Bentley meets both business and individual needs.
Will I stay in one position or move around the business?
Industrial placements normally stay in one position for 12 months. Depending on your needs, your placement objectives may include placements and/or projects within the same and other functions.
Where will I be based?
At our head office in Crewe, South Cheshire. At Bentley, all our functions are on one site. This is a huge advantage in appreciating the complete business. Crewe is within easy travelling distance to Chester, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. A lot of our industrial placements move to Crewe from other parts of the country. There's a good selection of property to rent near to work which means less travelling time.
Summer Placement
When should I be applying for a Summer Placement?
Applications will be accepted from end February onwards.
Note: We do not offer any relocation support for Summer Placement opportunities. So typically it is students who study in the local area or who may study away but live in the local area.
What does the assessment consist of?
An interview with the placement manager and a personnel representative.
When is the start date?
The start date for summer placements is normally July. The duration of the placement is normally 10 weeks.
What do I need to be studying for a Summer Placement?
A degree relevant to the function you are interested in. For example, for a placement in Engineering you will be studying Mechanical, Electronic and Electrical or Automotive Engineering which is accredited by the relevant professional body (IMechE or IEE); for Finance you would be studying Finance and Accounting, and so on. As a minimum we expect 3 A levels at grade C and above (or equivalent).
What sort of work will I be doing?
You will sit down with your placement manager and discuss your placement objectives - both business and personal. You will then have a set of deliverables over the 10 weeks, which will really challenge and stretch you, so at the end of the placement you will have developed professionally and personally
How will my performance be measured?
Through regular reviews with your manager. This is based on your business and personal objectives.
What support can I expect?
Your Placement manager will oversee your placement and guide you through this.
Where will I be based?
At our head office in Crewe, South Cheshire. At Bentley, all our functions are on one site. This is a huge advantage in appreciating the complete business.
Apprenticeship Programmes
When should I be applying for an Apprenticeship?
Applications will be accepted from March onwards.
What qualifications will I need?
Please refer to individual applications for exact requirements.
What is the assessment process for an apprenticeship?
Successful applicants who have the required grades may be invited to an assessment centre where they will undertake psychometric testing, a behaviourally based interview, a group exercise and a presentation.
When will I join the Company?
The apprenticeship programme commences in September each year. Each new starter will undertake a Company Induction followed by a specific apprentice induction before joining the relevant department.
What is the Junior Engineer Apprenticeship?
Our Junior Engineer Development Programme is based within our Engineering functions e.g. Whole Vehicle, Powertrain and Chassis, Electrical, Body and Trim. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to undertake placements in these areas whilst undertaking a BTEC and Foundation Degree in a relevant subject. There is an opportunity to progress to a full degree during the apprenticeship.
What does an Advanced Apprenticeship involve?
This can vary depending on whether it is a craft, technical, business or commercial apprenticeship. The training you will undertake will include a work based NVQ, technical certificate or a further education qualification as well as on the job training. All of the above training will be arranged for you via Bentley Motors and Total People.
How long does the Apprenticeship last?
Craft, Technical, Commercial and Junior Engineer Development Programmes are for a duration of up to 4 years. Business apprenticeships are for a duration of up to 3 years.
No guarantees of a full time position can be given following completion of the apprenticeship programme. However, the company is committed to its development programmes and every effort is made to offer permanent employment at the end of the programme.
What other training will I undertake?
As well as meeting the requirements of the apprenticeship and on the job training, you will also undertake core training in your apprentice year group that may include team building, presentation skills, time management and business knowledge classes.
In what areas are Apprenticeships available?
Business requirements alter on a yearly basis, however typical areas may include; Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, Logistics, Finance, Information Systems, Sales and Marketing, Manufacturing Engineering.