BSM Derby SKODA welcomes first degree-level apprentice
Bristol Street Motors Derby SKODA is welcoming its first degree-level apprentice.
Ed Lamb, 18, is training as an undergraduate service advisor at the dealership, while working towards a Business Leadership & Management Practice degree, in partnership with Northumbria University.
Ed studied at Derby College for two years, where he completed a two-year BTEC diploma, before enrolling onto the degree apprenticeship with Vertu Motors. In his spare time, Ed likes to watch motor racing at Donnington Park and watches his home team, the Rams, play at Pride Park.
The degree-level apprenticeship offers talented young people the chance to gain a degree while earning a base salary of £18,000, with parent Group Vertu Motors paying £27,000-worth of tuition fees over the three and a half-year course and the course is one of the first motor retail industry’s degree-level apprenticeships.
This year, a group of 13 people are starting the apprenticeships, an increase from the 10 students, who are now commencing their second year. Like Ed, students will spend the majority of the course in placements at dealerships across the Vertu Motors group, with the prospect of future progression into managerial roles.
Ed said: “The degree apprenticeship is a great way to earn while you learn. I have lived in Derby all of my life and have always wanted a career in this city so I am proud that I have been able to accomplish this with a reputable company and a thriving dealership.”
Robert Forrester, chief executive officer of Vertu Motors plc, said: “The degree-level apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to gain a respected degree, debt-free in a dynamic industry. The programme was hugely successful last year and we are thrilled to welcome our new intake.
“We are always keen to take on talented, enthusiastic people who fit with our values and our degree-level apprenticeship is not just something for school-leavers to consider. This year we have welcomed a strong mix of both men and women of different ages, from a variety of backgrounds. I am excited to see how their careers progress over the next couple of years.”