Crewe-based Bentley Motors has welcomed its largest ever intake of apprentices, undergraduates and graduates, with 112 new recruits joining its 4,000-strong workforce, which is currently delivering the biggest transformational programme in the marque’s 102-year history.

Representing a phased introduction across the programme, 39 apprentices and 39 undergraduates have started their Bentley careers in the past two weeks, with 14 graduates to follow next month. The new recruits are spread across a wide range of areas within the business including engineering, production, marketing and communications, project management, human resources and IT.

Coupled with the 20 apprentices who began their journey earlier in 2021, the scale of the 2021 programme demonstrates Bentley’s commitment to developing future skills through trainee programmes.

Commenting on Bentley’s continued commitment to early careers and future talent, Nicola Johnson, Bentley’s head of people, engagement and transformation, said: “Bentley, and the entire automotive industry, is changing faster than ever and so recruiting the next generation and leaders of tomorrow, with a digital mind-set, is a key part of our strategy to becoming the leader in sustainable luxury mobility. We have focused on the finest talent that can help shape our future and I am delighted to welcome them as we work together to deliver our vision for a new Bentley.”

Bentley’s targets were set out in last year’s Beyond100 strategy, with the aim to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility and reinvent every aspect of its business. At the forefront of this strategy, is the desire to be carbon neutral and move to full electrification throughout the entire model range by 2030. A third of the trainees will work exclusively on digital innovation.

To help design and build these Bentleys of the future, the company is focusing on greater diversity, upskilling in some areas and attracting a wide range of the best talent from all walks of life, including digital innovators and creative thinkers.

Earlier this year, Bentley was again recognised for the tenth consecutive year as a Top Employer by the internationally-acclaimed Top Employers’ Institute — the only car brand to feature on the elite list.

The Institute recognises employers globally who make every effort to continuously improve colleague experiences through digital transformation, enhance recruitment processes, as well as nurturing and developing talent.