Vertu Motors has welcomed its second group of degree-level apprentices to the business, following a successful first year programme which launched in 2017.

The new group of 13 colleagues have now started their apprenticeship with the AM100 retail group which delivers a BA in business leadership and management degree as part of a structured apprenticeship training programme.

This is an increase from the 10 students who started last year, now entering their second year. 

Vertu Motors’ chief executive, Robert Forrester, said: “The degree-level apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to gain a respected degree, debt-free in a dynamic industry.

"The programme was hugely successful last year and we are thrilled to welcome our new intake.”

Vertu’s degree-level apprenticeship programme, in partnership with Northumbria University, offers talented people the chance to gain a degree while earning a salary of £18,000 holding a full-time permanent role within the business.  

Vertu Motors will fund £27,000-worth of tuition fees over the 3.5-year course.

In addition to receiving a BA Honours degree, the programme of study will also offer the opportunity to achieve ‘Chartered Manager’ status from Northumbria University, one of the top 50 universities in the UK.

“We are always keen to take on talented, enthusiastic people who fit with our values and our degree-level apprenticeship is not just something for school-leavers to consider,” said Forrester.

“This year we have welcomed a strong mix of both men and women of different ages, from a variety of backgrounds. I am excited to see how their careers progress over the next couple of years.”

Pictured: Degree apprentices and their mentors