Automobile Division
The Bentley Motors’ 2025 Industrial Placement and Graduate Programme is open now; send your application before Friday 25 October 2024.
Tell me a bit about you
Harry: I'm a MEng Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Portsmouth, I did my placement after 3rd year so I'm going into my final year. Before my placement, I was head of suspension at UPRacing Electric.
Why did you choose to apply for a placement with Bentley?
Harry: I chose to apply for Bentley Motors because I'd like a career in the automotive or motorsport industries. As one of the leading luxury car manufacturers they were instantly interesting, they also have a history of being competitive in the 24 hours of Le Mans and GT3 so I was hoping I could learn about that side of the company.
Tell us more about your placement at Bentley
Harry: I spent a year working for Final 2 - the department at the end of the production line where the end-of-line quality checks.I was based on site in Crewe, it's the only Bentley plant so cars going all over the world are manufactured there.
My role within the team included:
- Supporting the production managers with their day-to-day tasks, including representing the department in meetings, running our daily monsoon rectification meetings and doing any on-the-day investigations and tasks as needed.
- A big part of my job was the department's data analysis - We'd use that data in assembly line process improvements and problem-solving.
- Future projects - I took part in the start of production planning for the new Continental GT as well as looking into line changes for new models further in the future.
What was the support and development like from Bentley?
Harry: The support and development at Bentley was great. Early on I set goals for my development over the year with my line manager which helped structure my year and identify projects which would be beneficial for me to get involved with. The early careers team were always helpful and offered masterclasses on subjects like project management throughout the year.
What were the most valuable things you took from your placement?
Harry: The most valuable learning from my placement was a greater understanding of what goes into an assembly line like Bentley's, I don't think you fully appreciate what goes into it before working in that type of environment. I have a much better understanding of the challenges faced in large-scale production and it gives me a clearer view of how parts are manufactured and fitted which means I'll have a greater understanding of what to look out for when designing parts for manufacture. I've also massively developed my presentation and problem-solving skills.
How will these apply to your next year of university and your Formula Student team?
Harry: The presentation, problem-solving and time-management skills will be a great help going into my final year of university.
What was the application process for your role?
Harry: The application process was pretty straightforward, I uploaded my CV and Cover letter to the application page on their website and then had an interview which consisted of a few questions about myself, then a presentation on a project I'd worked on.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to join Bentley Motors? Any top tips?
Harry: My main tip for the interview would be to talk about a project you learnt a lot from rather than one you did very well on.
Don't miss your opportunity to join Bentley Motors in a variety of roles; apply for the Bentley Motors’ 2025 Industrial Placement and Graduate Programme today.
Out thanks go to Harry for his time and for supplying the excellent photos.