Vertu Motors

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.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors plc is the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 156 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu Motors and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors plc was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 152 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 120 locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com
Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.macklinmotors.co.uk / www.vertumotorcycles.com / www.vansdirect.co.uk / www.thetaxicentre.com / www.powerbulbs.com