Graduate Training Programme

Requirements

You should have well-developed problem solving and analytical skills, possess good interpersonal skills, technical ability, initiative and the enthusiasm to achieve.

You should be expecting or have achieved a 2:1 in a relevant degree subject with good 'A' levels or equivalent qualifications. Automotive or industry experience is a definite advantage and a second language, particularly German, would be beneficial.

You will pick up all the vocational skills required to forge a successful career with one of the biggest names in the automotive industry. Your efforts will add value to our business from day one. Yet, while being given real responsibility and autonomy, you will also benefit from a wealth of support.
 

Mario Karwehl - Sales and Marketing

Having worked for another automotive manufacturer for 3 years, my story is slightly different to those of many other graduates that joined the company.

My experience was primarily based around dealerships and retail operations, and I felt the urge to develop into a more international direction. In 2003, I decided to come to the UK and study for an MSc International Management. After successful completion, I was looking for a way back into the automotive industry.

The Bentley brand had caught my eye pretty early on, in particular the comprehensive Graduate Development Programme. I had never encountered activities like Directors Forums or Master classes on any other development programmes, and these opportunities left a very positive impression that made me apply. I was accepted for the 2005 Graduate Intake, with a specific focus on the Aftersales area.

Now, 2 years later, I can confidently say that I have found more than I was hoping for: The Graduate Development Programme has given me a very productive level of flexibility, giving me the opportunity to have an insight into areas that I have missed out in my previous job, in particular the areas of production and logistics. Additionally, I have always had support from the Academy and my departmental managers if I wanted to do something out of the ordinary, for example a placement in the Regional Head Office in Berlin with several dealer visits all over Europe.

Bentley also has a certain charm with regards to proximities and people. While mass manufacturers tend to have administration and production spread out all over the globe, the Crewe site allows a very ‘tangible’ work environment with a lot of exposure to the products. Furthermore, I have found a team of people that encourage own initiatives and provide a young individual with challenging and meaningful projects.

After leaving the Graduate Development Programme in April 2007, I have been given a new challenge within Bentley: Managing a team of 5 people as Senior Engineer – Aftersales Programmes. Again I am faced with a steep learning curve, but the support of fellow managers and the Bentley Academy make me very positive that I can also manage this challenge.

Lee Piotrowski - Manufacturing Engineering

During my degree at Leeds University, I decided that to enhance my employability after graduation I would undertake a placement at Bentley motors.
I chose Bentley as it has a unique advantage over other car manufacturers – all areas of the business are together on one site. This gives all Trainees at Bentley a great opportunity to appreciate many of the varied functions relevant to an engineering/manufacturing business.

My first placement was in Crashworthiness and this quickly involved real engineering challenges that were relevant and important to the success of the Continental Flying Spur.

I was involved in supporting crash tests, travelling to Germany to assist with preparation of the vehicle instrumentation and set up. This involved all aspects of a professional engineers job from project planning, resource allocation planning test timing, transport and support at Crewe and at the VW test track in Germany. The project was very successful, as I had played a part in ensuring that the Flying spur project was delivered on time.

I gained so much from my year with Bentley that I decided to return the following year for an 8-week summer placement in Product Management.  This was a perfect opportunity for me to further develop my appreciation for other areas of the business. I took on two projects over the summer, the first managing the introduction of a number of high volume parts in response to the European directive on heavy metals. The second involving close cross-functional working with Finance and Purchasing, Logistics and Quality departments, to reduce engineering costs during the development of parts.

The following year, after completing my degree, I applied to Bentley for a full time position and I am now working in the Pilot hall as a design analysis engineer, undertaking virtual build of future models to ensure feasibility of design.

In summary, the undergraduate/summer placement scheme offers you an excellent opportunity to manage your own development, with the support of the Academy and your manager, gaining exposure to numerous areas of the business unseen in most other automotive manufacturers.
You will take an active role in a real world engineering task, providing a very challenging and rewarding opportunity to develop your professional and personal skills.
 

Lindsay Quinton - Sales and Marketing

My desire for a career in the automotive industry was reinforced as a result of experience gained from my undergraduate placement at Vauxhall Motors, Luton. In addition, focusing on specialist marketing elements in my final year of studies, provided the necessary skills to work within a marketing function.

Despite increasing competition from rival manufacturers, Bentley is still considered one of the best marques in the industry, designing and producing cars of unparalleled quality and innovation. The whole process, from concept stage, right through to Aftersales service is managed by a dedicated team of skilled people and a position within the company offered the opportunity to become an integral part of this team.

I joined the Graduate Development Programme in 2004, working in Aftersales. The programme is strongly supported throughout the business and participants are actively encouraged to undertake a number of placements and projects to expand their knowledge and skills.

As part of my role to date, I have worked within the Aftersales Marketing team and key activities have included the development of an accessories brochure, modified to regional requirements, UK and European Dealer marketing projects and individual product mailers to support the promotion of new products.

I have also spent time within the Service Operations department, compiling a global business review to identify missed service opportunities within the older car market.

I now have a full time position, working within the Aftersales Marketing team, as Aftersales Marketing Coordinator. This role continues to focus on the production of marketing material and Dealer communication, in addition to assisting with the operation of specific incentive programmes.

The Graduate Development Programme offers an excellent development opportunity with a range of different placements aimed to improve your skills, knowledge and experience.