Bentley looks to model engineers of future

BOOMING car giant Bentley Motors has launched its own apprentice scheme as it struggles to fill 150 vacancies for skilled workers at its Crewe factory.

The firm, which has a workforce of 4,000, says it advertised 300 new jobs recently, ahead of the launch of the new Bentayga model, but has filled only half of them.

Bentley’s corporate communications manager Matthew Reed said the skills shortage issue was a national one in the engineering sector.

“It is a UK-wide problem,” he said. “It is as a direct result of this that we have adopted our own apprenticeship programme, offering dual education opportunities by linking up with South Cheshire College (in Crewe).

“It allows the students to spend 30% of the time in education and the rest training on the job with Bentley.

“It is a challenge for us and the country as a whole, but it is one we are determined to tackle.”

He said the company was also linking with the University Technical College at Crewe to encourage 14 to 18- year-olds with a curriculum focused on engineering and design.

Bentley has created almost 1,000 jobs in the past 18 months, with the company’s success fuelled by the anticipated launch of the Bentayga, record sales and the opening of a new £40m research centre.

Apart from engineering, other jobs  available at the firm are in the finance, marketing and sales departments.

Bentley sold 11,020 cars in 2014, 9% up on the previous year.