Product Design And Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

Your last name is Bentley- what a perfect match! What made you choose to apply for an apprenticeship at Bentley?

I do get a lot of comments about my last name being Bentley—it’s definitely a great icebreaker! But funnily enough, my decision to apply had nothing to do with the name and instead had everything to do with the opportunity itself. And no, I didn’t change my name for the role and I’m not Walter Owen Bentley’s great great granddaughter (not that I’m aware of!).

I first heard about apprenticeships through careers advice at school, and the idea of getting real-world experience whilst earning a degree for free—rather than taking on debt without the extra practical experience—seemed like a no-brainer. I knew I wanted to go into engineering, so I started searching for apprenticeships on the government website, and that’s when Bentley stood out to me.

With Bentley being such a prestigious and reputable company, and having the chance to learn about product design and development while working on world-class cars I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It’s been an incredible experience so far!

Could you walk us through the process of becoming an apprentice at Bentley? What was your first week like, and how did the team support you during the transition?

The process of becoming an apprentice at Bentley started with an application and an interview with my future mentors, which seemed daunting at first but felt less like an interview and more like an opportunity to showcase myself. Prior to the beginning of my apprenticeship I had the privilege of meeting my mentor and other future and current apprentices at an introductory event afterwards my journey properly began with the first week of induction.

During that first week, I got to meet the other apprentices, and we all bonded really quickly—some of them I met on day one, and we’ve supported each other ever since. I could immediately tell that I was part of a community where everyone is welcoming and helps each other out.

We were introduced to the apprenticeship scheme and what to expect over the next four years, we were given an overview of the company and learned about all our employer benefits and even got hands-on experience with the cars straight away.

Bentley made sure we felt welcome and supported, from the early careers team giving us all the information we needed to our managers and colleagues making sure we settled in. In the afternoons, I spent time with my new team, meeting everyone and getting a feel for my day-to-day role. Right from the start, they involved me in their work and made it clear that my development was their priority.

The whole experience was a great introduction, not just to the job but to the inclusive and supportive culture at Bentley. I felt like I was part of something bigger from day one.

You’re studying at Sheffield Hallam University as part of your apprenticeship. How does Bentley support you during your time at university, and what does the balance between work and study look like?

Studying at Sheffield Hallam University is a key part of my apprenticeship, and I am provided with a lot of support to make sure I can balance both work and study effectively.

One of the biggest benefits is the structured time we’re given for university. I have Wednesdays dedicated to uni where I go onsite to Sheffield, and my manager has also agreed for me to use Fridays for studying and revision, which isn’t something all my classmates get from their employers. In total, 20% of my time is spent learning off the job, and Bentley ensures I have the extra time I need to stay on top of assignments.

I am also fully supported financially. My travel to Sheffield by train is covered, and the reimbursement process is really straightforward. I’m even given money for food while I’m there, which is a great help—again, not all of my classmates have that level of support from their employers. Which further sets Bentley apart as an apprenticeship provider.

The balance between work and study actually works really well. It breaks up the week, making it easier to stay engaged in both areas and being able to apply what I study directly to real projects at Bentley makes the learning process much more meaningful.

Working with a senior cost engineer in Product Design Engineering sounds exciting! What have you learned so far in the finance department, and how has it shaped your understanding of the business?

Working with senior cost engineers has been an incredible learning experience, and it’s given me a much deeper understanding of how finance especially material cost controlling plays a role in product development at Bentley and how crucial it is and they’re always happy to help with any and every question I have.

During my apprenticeship I’ll be going on different placements within the company giving me exposure to multiple areas of the business, currently I’m planning on rotations in Engineering, Purchasing, VAVE, and Project Finance. Each placement includes a departmental-led project, which means by the end, I’ll have contributed to a full process or initiative.

I’ve just started my first placement, which focuses on external car parts, so I’m easing into the role by learning about cost estimation techniques, materials, and manufacturing processes. What’s great is that a lot of what I’m studying at university—like materials and manufacturing—directly applies to what I’m working on here. Which definitely helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

Seeing how experienced cost engineers approach problem-solving and decision-making has given me insights I wouldn’t get from just studying. It’s also helping me develop the skills I’ll need to take on more responsibility as I progress in my apprenticeship.

You’re heading back to your old school to talk about apprenticeships at Bentley- what advice would you give to students who are considering applying?

Heading back to my old school to talk about apprenticeships at Bentley is really exciting because I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re trying to decide on your next steps. My biggest piece of advice for anyone considering applying is to just go for it—you don’t need to know everything already, that’s the whole point of an apprenticeship! Bentley looks for people with enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and strong soft skills, not just the technical knowledge.

When it comes to the interview process, you’re provided with a lot of support, so make sure you use it. Follow the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering questions, as it helps structure your responses clearly and gives you a lot to talk about. I’d also recommend getting familiar with Bentley’s behaviours which gives you a great opportunity to talk about your experiences and how you approach challenges.

If you have any extracurricular activities, like clubs, part-time jobs, or volunteering, definitely mention them! They’re not essential, but they can really help show your teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, just show your passion and be yourself. Bentley just wants to see your potential and drive to develop.