Vertu Motors Launches 120-Place Apprentice Programme For All Ages To Grow Talent
Vertu Motors plc has launched a nationwide apprenticeship programme this week with the aim of tempting people to make a career switch and join the UK’s fifth largest motor retailer.
One hundred and twenty newly created customer service apprentice vacancies have gone live across the UK, with the aim of creating a talent pipeline to support the growth of the business and deliver increased flexibility in the workforce.
These 120 new roles are in addition to more than 80 Modern Apprentice Technician vacancies that will be launched over the coming months, as part of the Group’s annual intake of technical apprentices.
Unlike many traditional apprenticeships, the newly created Vertu Motors plc customer service apprenticeship programme is actively seeking more candidates with retail or comparable experience, in addition to those fresh out of higher or further education.
The Group believes that the offer of a permanent job alongside a proven and recognised qualification, a very attractive starting salary that increases over time, in addition to working for a company that is people centric and invests in their development, will be attractive to those looking for a career change or who are aiming to move into skilled employment.
The Gateshead-headquartered firm is offering an initial salary of £18,000, whilst the apprentice completes a bespoke Level 3 Apprenticeship programme, which has been developed to meet high educational standards. The customer service apprenticeship will offer a mix of learning, delivered in the workplace and in the classroom, with e-learning implemented where necessary. The salary moves to at least £23,500 after successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “Recruiting the right candidates is vital to the success of our business and this is increasingly hard to do at the moment. As a fast-growing company we need talented people to join us to maintain and continue to build our momentum.
“We understand that to attract talent we must offer more than our competitors – not just in terms of remuneration, but also in opportunity for career development. We want people with life experience, who can engage with our customers, understand their needs and connect with them.
“While we can teach processes and best practice, there is no training for personality and experience. That’s why these apprenticeships are primarily targeted at job or career switchers. It’s a pathway to a new and rewarding career in motor retail and comes without the financial concerns that taking an entry level role could mean for some people.”