Bentley Junior Engineer Apprintice

[lankybob]

Hello,

I applied for this post at Bentley and I have been invited to Crewe for an interview.
Just looking for advise on what to expect for the interview, for instance what to wear. Will they be expecting me to do anything technical that a suit would be inappropriate for?

Also stories about working with Bentley if anyone one here is employed by them.

Cheers,
Bob

[Podie]

Unless told otherwise, turn up in a suit and tie.

[rhinochopig]

Do some research - have a read about their history, achievements and models. You might also want to read up on some of the tech coming into car engineering over the next few years - materials science, electronics, engine tech such as infinitely variable valve timing, etc.

It all shows you're interested and helps differentiate you from the crowd - just don't come across as a know-it-all.

Good luck!

[amir_j]

as above research, don't forget the Bentley website and also read the latest press releases.

[Buzz word]

I had an interview there recently for a design role. What these guys have said so far is bang on. Definitely read up on the press releases. I would have a good look at the emissions stuff as that will almost certainly be a topic as it is so very relvant. I thought their approach was absolutley correct. Refreshing to see to be honest, they liked hearing that and I liked talking about it.
I really enjoyed the interview there. The reception is amazing and we had the bulk of he interview on the GT production line and engine line. I don't know if it will be the same for a junior/ grad role but I would be familar as you can be with different parts, technologies and their requirements. Talking about various bits that grabbed my interest were the bulk of my interview.
I was advised to look at nantwich as a place to live over crewe. It was a nice little town so go have a look incase you do get it.

[Condieboy]

Definitely wear a suit.

If it's anything like the one I had when I applied for a Ministry of Defence Technician apprenticeship I had an initial aptitude test before being interviewed.

[Ross1988]

What role are you applying for? Learn some basics of this role.

Like others have said, research everything, including history, and even if your not asked try and include some of it into your answers.

[Pothole]

learn to spell, or is that not relevant?

[dmitsi]

Don't know how it works at Bentley, but our apprentices have a couple of tests to do, first is quite a general employment aptitude test (maths and english), the second is more mechanical aptitude. A bit of GCSE physics looking at forces and loads, most of it is common sense, but have a bit of revision on cogs and pulleys etc.

After the tests we have interviews. Be confident, dress well, and show you can communicate. They want to see someone who will respond to input and learn, but at the same time be able to recognise when they need more help and be able to look for it. If there were bits of the tests you didn't do so well on, they may talk about these. Don't be put down, but address it as something you can improve on. It reflects well on your personality if you can confront issues you have.

Best of luck. They want to see someone who they think will be able to fit in and also be a strong self starter willing to learn. DO you research on the company, and be ready to explain why a job in this industry interests you and what you hope to achieve from it.

How old are you and do you know the actual role you are applying for?

[lankybob]

Thanks for the advice chaps, it seems that I should be concentrating on the history of the company and their innovations and such.

Dmitsi, I'm 18 and the role is an engineer at the factory up in Crewe. They will train me in all the main areas of engineering and I will end up with a degree in 4 years time. If I get accepted that is!

Cheers,
Bob

[dmitsi]

Have a look at this engineering aptitude test. Whilst it won't be the same as what you get, it's the sort of stuff you may have to do.
Engineering Aptitude

[theshrew]

A lad i no is a apprentice with Bently at the moment.

Think he had a interview then got asked back to do some exams etc.

Its not a bad place to work from what i hear. You also get cheap deals on VAG group cars finish early doors on a Friday.

[monthefish]

rhinochopig said:

Do some research - have a read about their history, achievements and models. You might also want to read up on some of the tech coming into car engineering over the next few years - materials science, electronics, engine tech such as infinitely variable valve timing, etc.

It all shows you're interested and helps differentiate you from the crowd - just don't come across as a know-it-all.

Good luck!

This is good advice.

lankybob said:

Thanks for the advice chaps, it seems that I should be concentrating on the history of the company and their innovations and such.

Don't worry about not being an expert in any particular area - a company like Bentley will value your 'people skills' and ability to work as part of a team more than you having any kind of specialist knowledge of any particular system, especially for a trainee. A resaonable grounding in the history of the company and how they got to where they are today will be sufficent.


I'd also agree with the suit & tie thing. I was at an assessment centre for a Graduate job at a large British OEM, and it was a 2 day residential affair. Upon arrival in the evening, everyone was in suit/shirt/tie. The company rep said that the evening was informal, and we could go and change if you like. 10 minutes later everyone returned from their rooms having taken off the tie and jacket, but still smartly dressed. Except for one chap, who came down in ripped jeans and some kind of 'death' t-shirt. Never did see him again...

[spikeyhead]

When I used to recruit at this level, I would want three things in equal measure, technical nous, a sense of humour and the ability to get on with the rest of the team.

[monthefish]

spikeyhead said:

When I used to recruit at this level, I would want three things in equal measure, technical nous, a sense of humour and the ability to get on with the rest of the team.

Sounds fair, although the willingness/ability to learn and a good work ethic are hugely important too.

I'd employ someone who is willing to work hard over someone who had a better techincal ability but was workshy and didn't have the desire/drive for better things (promotion, increased responsibility etc).

You can teach someone the technical details of most engineering jobs, but you will almost certainly not be able to change their work-ethic.

[Jame4532]

I know it's an old thread but I've also applied for this apprenticeship and was wondering how you had got on? I had the numerical, mechanical and spacial awareness tests first, then I was invited down to an assessment day, and I have recently just had further interviews there. They said I should know next week whether I've got the job or not. 126 people applied apparantly. You weren't there on my assessment day as I was chatting with all of the guys on that day and none of them were called Bob, just wondering how you got on basically?

[lankybob]

I didn't get the job. Was a bit gutting really but it would have been havoc trying to move up there. They wanted the others to come back for another interview which I think is cutting it a bit fine as it starts soon.
Good luck though buddy, say how you get on.

[James4532]

I ended up getting the job, which is fortunate as I messed up my A-levels tbh. I only live 20 minutes away and have family who live about 3 minutes away so that makes things easier for me. Yeh it starts on the 6th september, but I've got to go to college for 6 months first before I start working there. Are you going to apply again next year at all?

[Pothole]

well done, James!

[lankybob]

Nice one on getting the job
I wont be applying next year as I have decided to go to university instead. Mechanical engineering, so hopefully I will be able to find something in the motor industry with that degree.