Bentley to recruit record 164 trainees as part of 2024 cohort

Luxury motor car manufacturer, Bentley, is taking on a record number of trainees next year.

The Crewe-based group will welcome 164 new staff.

Career opportunities are available for graduates and industrial placements, with apprentice applications opening in February next year.

More than a third of the positions are focused on Bentley’s R&D department as the luxury brand looks for the industry’s brightest talents to support its Beyond100 strategy, seeking sustainable luxury mobility leadership.

This includes a Five-in-Five plan, introducing five new fully electric cars in just five years and carbon neutrality across operations by 2030.

Dr Karen Lange, member of the board for human resources at Bentley Motors, said: “Our trainee programmes were first established over 40 years ago and to continue to set record recruitment levels is a testament to our commitment to supporting future talent, and the importance that they play in moulding the future of our company.

“We are seeking talented individuals from various backgrounds to realise our ambitions, as we remain committed to enhancing diversity and offering upskilling opportunities across numerous areas.”

Of the 164 2024 roles, 34 are for three- or four-year apprenticeship positions, 29 are two-year graduate roles, and 101 are for 12-month industrial placements. Additional departments include manufacturing, sales and marketing, finance and human resources.

In parallel to the vacancies opening, Bentley has welcomed its 117-strong 2023 cohort to join the 4,000 colleague workforce in Crewe, including a record high 50/50 gender split of the new starters.

One of those trainee’s, Sera Holden, industrial placement at Bentley Motors, said: “I’m very excited for the year ahead and for the opportunities it will bring.”