Year Of Investment Continues For Bentley With Largest Intake Of Apprentices In 25 Years

• 63 apprenticeship opportunities in 2015
• Largest number in 25 years
• Applications open today at www.bentleycareers.com
• Open day to be held at CW1 House on 14th March

(Crewe, 9th March 2015) Bentley has today 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 today at www.bentleycareers.com for six weeks, with an open day held for prospective apprentices at its headquarters in Crewe on Saturday 14th March 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.

Marlies Rogait, Member of the Board for Human Resources, said: "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."

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."

This announcement comes after Bentley Motors was named one of Britain's top employers by the Top Employers Institute for the fourth consecutive year. Bentley – awarded for its commitment and dedication to the 3,800 colleagues working at the Crewe headquarters – was particularly praised for its focus on the talent and personal development of its workforce.

Bentley is also investing £40 million to build a new research and development centre at its headquarters, as part of a wider £840 million investment plan, which will generate a further 300 new positions.

To support the company's future investment in its employees and the community, Bentley is also playing a pivotal role in bringing a University Technical College to Crewe. Focused on Engineering and Design, the college will offer an inspiring education for 14-18 year olds seeking a pathway to future employment.

- ENDS -

Andrew Roberts
Director of Communications
andrewa.roberts@bentley.co.uk
+44(0)7432 718801

Matthew Reed
Corporate Communications Manager
matthew.reed@bentley.co.uk
+44(0)7903 515088

Bentley Motors Ltd
Pyms Lane
Crewe
CW1 3PL

www.bentleymedia.com
communications@bentley.co.uk
@BentleyComms

Notes to editors

• Bentley Motors is the most sought after luxury car brand in the world. The company's headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company's three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 3,800 people at Crewe.