Skills drive for Bentley

Crewe-based car manufacturer Bentley Motors, is launching a new skills improvement programme – to coincide with the largest intake of apprentices in a decade.

In September, 51 apprentices will join Bentley, 40 of these will be part of a new dedicated manufacturing scheme as Bentley builds up to the introduction of the Bentley SUV, in 2016.

The company, which employs 3,700 people at its HQ at Crewe,  says the programme will broaden, develop and enhance employees’ skills. It is investing in new training tools and facilities to grow its current workforce, recruiting people to focus on three core areas within the business – wood, body & trim and engine – and also redesigning its apprenticeship scheme.

Integrated into the shop floor at the Pyms Lane site will be 10 ‘training islands’ to provide near the job training.

Bentley’s human resources director Ariane Reinhart, said: “The automotive industry moves at such a fast pace it’s vital that we not only bring fresh thinking into the business, but we continually develop our own talent. We are working on the next generation of Bentleys and it’s important that our colleagues share the same commitment to performance, quality, and engineering excellence that our cars possess.

“That’s exactly why we are investing in our new Upskilling programme, to ensure we help our colleagues be as good as they can be, with every opportunity to develop their skills. The introduction of training islands, taking advantage of the expertise of master trainers and adopting a dual education approach are just some of the tools we will use to ensure a strong skills base continues throughout the business.”

In addition to mentors, Bentley will introduce master trainers, skilled craftsmen who will develop and deliver training curriculum to the company’s apprentices and passing on skills to the next generation of workers.