North East motor retailer Vertu has opened up 120 new roles in a nationwide apprenticeship programme.
The listed Team Valley business, the UK’s fifth largest vehicle retailer, is aiming to create a talent of pipeline in its customer service department to support the growth of the business and deliver more flexibility in the workforce.
The 120 new vacancies have gone live across the UK and come on top of more than 80 modern apprentice technician vacancies set to be launched over the coming months as part of the group’s annual intake of technical apprentices.
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Vertu’s 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, and the group hopes to attract people who are looking to switch to a new career.
Vertu chief executive Robert Forrester said the group believes the offer of a permanent job alongside a recognised qualification and a starting salary that increases over time be attractive to those looking for a career change.
Apprentices who take part will complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme, mixing learning in the workplace and the classroom with e-learning carried out where necessary.
Mr Forrester 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.”
