EARLY CAREERS FAQ'S
APPLYING FOR AN EARLY CAREERS PROGRAMME
1. When do applications open and close?
Applications for our 2025 Graduate and Industrial Placement programmes open on the 14th October 2024 and close on 25th October 2024.
Our Early Careers programmes are extremely popular, and these timelines are always subject to change depending on how many applications we receive.
2. What qualifications do I need?
The criteria for selection is outlined in the ‘About you’ section of each advert, but we have included an overview below.
Graduate Programme | Candidates must have achieved a 2:1 in a relevant degree subject alongside a pass (Level 4 and above) in Maths and English at GCSE.
Industrial Placements | Industrial Placements candidates must be on track to achieve a 2:1 in a relevant degree subject alongside a pass (Level 4 and above) in Maths and English at GCSE.
Apprenticeships | For Degree Apprenticeships, candidates need three A-Levels (or equivalent e.g. BTEC) at grade C or above. For Higher and Intermediate Apprenticeships, qualifications can vary but at the minimum, we require GCSE’s at level 3/D in Maths and English.
3. What is the salary for the trainee programmes?
Salaries for trainees go alongside other company benefits, including 35 days holiday (including bank holidays), contributory pension schemes, subsidised onsite catering facilities (including Starbucks and Costa), flexible working hours, and access to our colleague car scheme for Graduates and Apprentices. The salaries for each programme are as follows:
- Graduates: £34,472
- Industrial Placements: £24,327
- Degree and Higher Apprenticeships: £21,883
- Intermediate Apprenticeships: £19,893
4. Why Bentley?
There has never been a more exciting time to join Bentley. We are transforming, reinventing every aspect of the business, to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. We’re seeking fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and innovators to join us on this pioneering journey.
During your programme, you will take charge of projects that can actually make a difference, while being a part of the employee values and culture that’s won us Top Employer status 11 years in a row. Working on our production lines and alongside colleagues from the wider VW group will also help you gain breadth and knowledge in your experience. In short, it really is an extraordinary programme!
Take a good look around our Early Careers page and other platforms to get a feel for what goes on at Bentley:
- Bentley's Instagram @bentleymotors
- Bentley's LinkedIn
- Bentley Newsroom Instagram @bentleynewsroom
- Bentley Careers on Twitter @BentleyCareers
5. Which role is best for me?
It’s always good to have your target career path in mind when applying for a programme. Considering what you enjoy, what you want to explore in a career, and what aligns with your degree. For Apprenticeships, thinking about how your qualifications line up is also useful. Even try discussing with friends and family or Career Advisors – they may have some useful insight on what would be best for you
6. If I do not live within commuting distance, will I need to consider relocation?
Yes, all of our trainee roles are based at our Crewe Headquarters, in Cheshire. You will be relocating with almost 120 apprentices, graduates and Industrial Placements. Approximately one hour from Manchester and Liverpool, Crewe also borders the towns of Nantwich and Chester, home to many restaurants, bars and shops. Where individuals need to relocate to the area, we offer support networks to help find rooms & accommodation and make new connections with our current trainees.
7. Can I work from home?
We are currently hybrid working for most colleagues. This can mean 2-3 days a week working on-site and the rest of the week working from home. However, some roles can only be done on-site at the factory, such as manufacturing.
8. Can someone inquire about my application on my behalf?
We’re unable to respond to enquiries or applications from anyone who is not you. If you want to discuss your application, you can check the status by logging into your profile above or get in contact with the team directly via earlycareers@bentley.co.uk.
9. What happens if I miss the application deadline?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the closing date. This is to allow the recruitment process to progress to the next stage and to ensure we do not have candidates at different stages with delays.