Skills Minister crafts an apprenticeship visit to Bentley

Bentley Motors has one of the country's most well-regarded apprenticeship schemes. It places a strong emphasis on the scheme because it believes apprentices represent the future, encouraging young people into the business and developing specific skills through an adult apprenticeship programme. At any given time, there are approximately 50 apprentices following a three or four year training programme across several disciplines ranging from engineering, manufacturing, wood and leather craftsmanship, to logistics and sales and marketing. Bentley also has a long-established graduate trainee programme with 30 people taking part in a bespoke two-year course that equips them for future management positions. It also works with several UK leading universities so that current undergraduates benefit from industrial placements. Speaking of his visit the minister said: "Bentley is a world class brand, and the company's commitment to its apprentices reflects and enhances the reputation of the apprenticeships programme for delivering world class training. Employers need increasingly advanced skills to stay competitive, and individuals need top of the range training and investment, both from government and from employers who recognise the immense benefits it brings them. To meet that need, I am both increasing the funding available for apprenticeships, and increasing the scope and quality of training on offer so that more businesses develop the advanced skills that drive excellence."