Vertu Motors celebrates graduates’ success

Vertu Motors is championing the next generation of talent as three of its North East degree apprentices - Abigail Monks, Sophie Wollaston and Joshua King - graduate from Northumbria University with a BA Hons in business leadership and management practice. 

In addition to their degree, they have earned a CMI Level 5 diploma in management and leadership, achieving chartered manager status.

The Vertu degree apprenticeship programme blends academic learning with hands-on experience, allowing apprentices to earn while they study, avoiding the typical post-graduation debt. 

Abigail Monks, an operational degree apprentice at Bristol Street Motors Darlington Skoda, was drawn to the programme for its mix of higher education and practical training.

She said: “Combining studying with work was both challenging and rewarding.

“After a busy day at the dealership, finding the energy to study wasn’t always easy, some periods were particularly intense both at work and at university. 

“But it helped me to build up my resilience, adaptability, and confidence, which will serve me well. 

“I am hoping to progress through the aftersales team and reach a management position quickly.

Sophie Wollaston, an employee relations advisor, saw the apprenticeship as the perfect way to build her career while studying.

Sophie added: “Combining work and study has been tough but rewarding. 

“Trying different elements of the business has helped open my eyes to the different possibilities. 

“I’ve really enjoyed the HR element and I am pleased to have found a role in the Employee Relations Team. 

“My next step is to learn more about employment law because it’s an area I find really interesting and would love to progress in that field.”

Meanwhile, Joshua King, a BMW and MINI aftersales degree apprentice at Vertu BMW Sunderland, praised the programme for providing invaluable industry experience and career development, adding: “The team at the dealership has helped me to make the most of my learning and given me really important involvement in different projects. 

“One thing I’m particularly proud of is supporting the team to open a new preparation centre and getting involved with a major refurbishment of our main site.”

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, added: "We are immensely proud of the dedication and effort our degree apprentices have shown over the past three and a half years. 

“Their journey in education is just beginning, and we are committed to providing ongoing development opportunities for all our colleagues. 

“We continuously adopt and implement best practices across the industry, ensuring our apprentices grow with us. 

“By investing in their growth, we are not only fostering their individual success but also preparing Vertu with the innovative leaders needed for the future. 

“Their achievements reflect the success of our entire group."

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