Vertu Drives The Careers Of Three North East Degree Apprentices
Vertu Motors plc is driving forward the next generation of talent as three of its North-East degree apprentices pass the finishing line and graduate, setting them up for a life-long career, without the usual post-graduation debt.
Abigail Monks, Sophie Wollaston, and Joshua King have successfully graduated with a BA Hons from Northumbria University in Business Leadership and Management Practice, and also received a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, to earn the title of CMI Chartered Manager.
All three were part of the latest cohort to complete the Vertu degree apprenticeship programme, which works with talented individuals to provide them with an apprenticeship-degree hybrid training programme, allowing them to earn a wage, while studying and applying their tutelage learning.
Abigail Monks, 21, an Operational Degree Apprentice at Bristol Street Motors Darlington Skoda, sought out the Vertu degree apprenticeship for its unique combination of higher education and practical experience. She said: "Combining studying with work was both challenging and rewarding.After a busy day at the dealership, finding the energy to study wasn’t always easy, some periods were particularly intense both at work and at university.
"But it helped me to build up my resilience, adaptability, and confidence, which will serve me well. I am hoping to progress through the aftersales team and reach a management position quickly.
“While I was studying for my degree apprenticeship, I’ve been using my experiences to help new apprentices to the team feel welcome. One of the things I’m most proud of is my involvement in the transition to self-service kiosks at the dealership which have been really well received by customers and helps speed up their check-in process.”
Sophie Wollaston, 25, an Employee Relations Advisor, was drawn to the apprenticeship to build her career while studying. "Combining work and study has been tough but rewarding. Trying different elements of the business has helped open my eyes to the different possibilities.
"I’ve really enjoyed the HR element and I am pleased to have found a role in the Employee Relations Team. My next step is to learn more about employment law because it’s an area I find really interesting and would love to progress in that field.”
Joshua King, 21, a BMW and MINI Aftersales Degree Apprentice at Vertu BMW Sunderland, found the apprenticeship aligned perfectly with his career goals: "The experience has been rewarding, challenging, and eye-opening. I learned so much that I wouldn't have without the apprenticeship.
“The team at the dealership has helped me to make the most of my learning and given me really important involvement in different projects. One thing I’m particularly proud of is supporting the team to open a new preparation centre and getting involved with a major refurbishment of our main site.
“My manager Jeff Aynsley has won lots of awards from BMW and MINI, and has been really helpful and shared some of his experiences with me, and made sure I’ve been involved in as much as possible.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, expressed his admiration for the degree apprentices, saying: "We are immensely proud of the dedication and effort our degree apprentices have shown over the past three and a half years. Their journey in education is just beginning, and we are committed to providing ongoing development opportunities for all our colleagues.
"We continuously adopt and implement best practices across the industry, ensuring our apprentices grow with us. By investing in their growth, we are not only fostering their individual success but also preparing Vertu with the innovative leaders needed for the future. Their achievements reflect the success of our entire Group."