Wolverhampton College is assisting Bentley Motors in preparing its workforce for the shift towards electric vehicle production. Eighteen Bentley manufacturing technicians are enrolled in electrical apprenticeships designed to equip them with the necessary skills.
The three-year maintenance operations and engineering apprenticeship program requires participants from Bentley’s Crewe site to attend block-release placements every six weeks at the college’s Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre, located on the Wellington Road campus in Bilston. The curriculum, focusing on the apprenticeship’s electrical system and process control pathway, includes integrated electrical systems, preventative maintenance procedures, and fault diagnosis. The program’s bespoke delivery model has been tailored to align with Bentley’s specific requirements.
The first group of nine apprentices will begin their training later this month, with another nine starting in April. The apprentices will balance their work at Bentley with studying for a set of occupational standards, supported by college tutors and apprenticeship assessors. Furthermore, the college is providing polymer processing apprenticeship training for an additional four staff at its Polymer Training and Innovation Centre in Telford.
Daniel Degg, head of business development and employer engagement at Wolverhampton College, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “We are thrilled that Bentley, a leader in automotive luxury and sustainability, has chosen the college as a training provider on its journey towards electrification,” Degg stated. “Apprenticeships play a vital role in equipping employees with the latest industry skills and knowledge, aligning perfectly with both Bentley’s vision for innovation and the college’s commitment to excellence in education and training. This marks the beginning of an exciting partnership, and we look forward to working closely with Bentley to expand training and development opportunities, ensuring employees across a range of departments are equipped with the skills needed for the future.”
