APPRENTICESHIP FAQ'S
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What support do I get on the Apprenticeship?
Throughout the programme, apprentices gain support from their managing/mentor in their home department on a day-to-day basis, as well as the team around them.
Bentley also has a dedicated Early Careers team who support Apprentices throughout their course, and this is on top of the holistic support that our training providers offer specifically about the programme.
What do I need to wear for the interview?
We advise a smart dress code for the interview e.g. a shirt. School uniforms can be worn.
If I get the job, am I provided a uniform?
If you work in a production environment, you will be given company workwear. Other areas of the business are not provided uniform.
What should I wear on my first day?
On your first day we advise a smart dress code. On the lead up to you joining Bentley, the team will put you in touch with your manager, the Early Careers team and other trainees who will also be joining as part of your cohort. As each business area is different, we recommend discussing specific questions (e.g. dress code) with your manager before joining.
Will I be with other trainees?
Yes! You will be part of a large trainee cohort which includes Apprentices, Industrial Placement students, and Graduates. There are regular meetings and activities where you will all get together.
Where are you based?
Our head office is in Crewe, United Kingdom.
Do I have to move to Crewe?
You do not have to move to Crewe to take part in the Apprenticeship, but you will be expected to be on-site regularly as part of your role. Many of our Apprentices commute to work daily as Crewe has excellent transport links.
Are your Apprenticeships fully remote?
No – our apprentices need to integrate into life at Bentley and be on site regularly, so we don’t offer fully remote contracts – all roles are expected on site but some more regularly than others.
How often will I be expected to attend site?
Each department is different, this would be a question to ask the hiring manager during the interview process.
What is the recruitment process?
Our recruitment process is straightforward!
- CV & cover letter: Both are required to submit your application.
- Screening by Bentley team: The Talent Acquisition team and Hiring Managers will shortlist candidates who meet the eligibility criteria of the role.
- Interview support session: Shortlisted candidates selected for an interview will be invited to a virtual session which will be held through Microsoft Teams – this isn’t part of the interview process but is an optional session led by our recruitment to support your interview preparation.
- Assessment: Depending on the nature of the role you have applied for, you may be invited for an in-person interview at our headquarters in Crewe, or invited to a 60-minute virtual interview on Microsoft Teams. This will consist of a competency-based interview and presentation/technical activity. You will be advised if you are required onsite for your assessment.
- Role offered: The successful applicant will receive an offer via telephone from our Talent Acquisition team. Unsuccessful candidates will also be notified of their interview outcome.
The above process will take place between February – April 2024.
Why are Cover Letters important for my application?
Attaching a Cover Letter to your application allows you to express your interest in Bentley and provide further detail on how your skill set aligns with the role and what you can bring to the team. Cover letters allow the recruiter and hiring manager to develop a better understanding of your suitability for a position.
Do I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide individual feedback on all applications. All candidates who go through an interview are however provided with feedback after the assessment for them to consider.
Will I hear from Bentley even if my application is unsuccessful?
Unsuccessful candidates will receive an email notifying them of their unsuccessful application.
What is the salary? Does it increase?
The starting salaries for our apprenticeship schemes are the following:
- Intermediate Apprentice (2 years): £21,236
- Advanced Apprentice (3/3.5 years): £21,236
- Advanced Apprentice (4 years): £21,236
- Higher/Degree Apprentice (4 years): £23,361
The salary will increase throughout the apprenticeship.
How often will I be studying towards my apprenticeship?
20% of your time on the apprenticeship will be spent studying towards your external qualification. This could be in the form of day release or block release, virtual or face-to-face.
What educational institution will I go to? Do I get to choose?
The educational institution you attend depends on the apprenticeship you enrol on. Bentley will select the training provider for all apprentices based on their course content and delivery methods from a list of top training providers with whom we work.
What if I don't get the grades listed in the advert?
Candidates are initially screened based on their actual / predicted grades, against the entry criteria included in each advert. The entry criteria for each apprenticeship are dictated by the training provider of the apprenticeship and take into account what level of prior learning is required to complete the apprenticeship. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria (e.g. on their predicted grades) will be progressed to interview. All offers made are dependent on the achievement of the grades required for the apprenticeship, but if these are not achieved we will work with candidates on an individual basis to discuss options if candidates do not have the minimum entry requirements for the programme they may not be able to join.
When will I join Bentley?
Our apprentices will be welcomed to the business on Monday 2nd September 2024. We will also hold a welcome event in July prior to all apprentices joining – details of this will be shared with successful candidates in May 2024.
Does Bentley offer support to candidates relocating?
Bentley will be able to provide information on the surrounding area, key transport links and pointers towards accommodation websites. Bentley will not recommend accommodation to candidates but will encourage relocating candidates to network with one another. A 'Welcome to Crewe' pack will be provided during the onboarding process.