Careers at Bentley Motors

Can you tell us about your role as a graduate and a project or achievement you’re especially proud of?

As a Graduate Electrical Engineer, my home department is EE-Test & Simulation, where I focus on Hardware-in-Loop (HiL) testing and automation. One of the projects I’m proud of supporting automation of FMET that reduced test time from 8 hours to 1 hour, saving significant resource and cost. This not only improves efficiency but also eliminates the need for real car testing, and scrapping. Seeing the impact of this work reaffirmed why I joined Bentley. I also had the opportunity to rotate across various departments from Launch Quality, Lighting, Mechanical and Manufacturing, gaining a full view of how Bentley vehicles are designed, tested and brought to life. Each rotation allowed me to build new skills, work with cross-functional teams, and contribute to exciting, innovative work.

But the journey wouldn’t feel complete without mentioning one moment that truly gave me goose bumps: being selected as the W. O Bentley Graduate of the Year 2025. That recognition reminded me of how far I have come and how much trust Bentley places in its graduates. It’s inspired me to keep pushing boundaries and continue contributing to a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive future as part of Bentley’s B100+ strategy.

How has the graduate programme helped you develop personally and professionally?

Coming from an academic background in Automotive Mechatronics but without prior hands-on experience in the automotive industry, the graduate programme has been a bridge between theory and real-world application. It has given me the opportunity to work with industry standard tools such as MATLAB, dSpace, iDEX and Vector, while gaining experience in hardware-in-loop (HiL) testing, commissioning and validation processes. This has helped me build strong technical expertise while understanding how different functions work together to deliver innovative automotive solutions. Beyond technical knowledge, I was chosen to represent Bentley in the VW Group Trainee network, which strengthened my communication, teamwork, and ability to perform in an international environment. Taking part in BeUnited and BeInspired initiatives also broadened my perspective, encouraging inclusivity, networking, and continuous learning.

These experiences have not only expanded my skills but also inspired me to think bigger, aim higher, and make the most of every opportunity in my career journey.

What do you think sets Bentley’s graduate programme apart from others?

What makes Bentley’s graduate programme truly unique is the freedom to explore. As a graduate, you can rotate across whichever departments you choose, at any time during the two-year scheme. This gives you the chance to experience areas beyond your academic background and gain a well-rounded view of the automotive industry.

The programme also offers incredible opportunities through the Early Careers team. I have represented Bentley at the IMECH Formula Student event at Silverstone, delivered presentations in universities and schools inspiring the next generation, and mentored school students as part of the Bentley Work Experience Programme 2025. Beyond work, the Bentley Social Committee (BSC) brings trainees together with activities like Drive Outs, camping events, and the Bentley Karting Society, making the experience both professionally rewarding and socially engaging.

What advice would you give to someone applying for the graduate scheme?

My advice is to understand your career goals and identify any gaps between your studies and the skills required for the programme. Fill these gaps with relevant courses to strengthen your profile. Make sure your CV clearly highlights the relevant skills and experience. When preparing for the interview, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your abilities and how you handled different challenges.

Be open to learning and seize every opportunity within the scheme to improve yourself. The experiences gained during the programme provide invaluable learning opportunities that are essential for your professional growth.

What’s one fun or unexpected part of life as a Bentley grad?

One of the coolest and most unforgettable parts of being a Bentley graduate is the opportunity to travel and represent the company internationally. For example, I represented Bentley as part of the VW Group trainees at an event organised by Skoda in Prague, Czech Republic. I also attended the 2025 trainee event in Barcelona hosted by SEAT CUPRA, which focused on electrification, an incredible chance to learn and connect with other trainees in VW Group in person.

On a lighter note, I also had my first karting experience with the Bentley Karting Society, which was a lot of fun. The best part was how welcoming everyone was, they helped me learn how to drive the kart, showing the supportive and friendly spirit that truly defines life here.