Automation and Controls Engineering Level 4 Apprentice within Production Maintenance

Apprenticeship Standard: Level 4

Duration: 3 Years

Start Date: September 2026                                                                                 

Starting Salary: £24,929

Location: Pyms Lane, Crewe, CW1 3PL, onsite working with some flexible hybrid working

Training Provider Entry Requirements: See ‘What we’re looking for’ section

Apprenticeship Programme

As a Bentley apprentice, you will combine hands‑on experience with classroom learning to achieve a Higher Level 4 Automation and Controls Engineering Technician qualification. You will contribute directly to our exciting journey as we continue to deliver extraordinary vehicles for our customers. Based at our state‑of‑the‑art headquarters in Crewe, you will:

• Work alongside experts who will support your professional and personal development


• Be welcomed into our Early Careers Network


• Spend 20% of your time with an external training provider and 80% gaining practical, real‑world experience


• Have the opportunity to complete placements and rotations across different areas of the business


• Take part in community initiatives, Social Committees, and Bentley’s Inclusivity Networks

About the Role

Working within the Production Maintenance department, you will help maintain and improve equipment reliability to support achievement of output and quality targets. You will operate within Bentley’s operating policies and safety framework, contributing to Bentley’s wider goals and the Beyond100 strategy. Reporting into the Maintenance Manager, you will be:

• Supporting complex problem‑solving activities using safe, structured, and timely methods, ensuring correct escalation and communication


• Gaining in‑depth knowledge of mechanical, electrical, electronic, control, PLC and robotic systems to assist in resolving maintenance breakdowns


• Carrying out planned, preventative, and predictive maintenance


• Following safe working practices and reporting any accidents or near misses to the appropriate supervision


• Participating in continuous improvement activities, including generating Equipment Top Issues pareto analysis and applying root cause analysis tools


• Working cross‑functionally to introduce new equipment, ensuring that the department is fully prepared and self‑sufficient from SOP and that equipment is robust

Your Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Supporting our award‑winning team in developing future factory plans, influencing robotics, new technologies, and site‑wide technical standards


• Assisting with new equipment commissioning and day‑to‑day maintenance to ensure optimum equipment availability


• Working with experienced mentors to identify improvement opportunities and leading your own improvement project from concept to completion


• Contributing to the maintenance of Bentley’s technology and infrastructure to ensure world‑class reliability and uptime

About the Department

Production Maintenance is responsible for ensuring technology and infrastructure uptime, providing well‑maintained equipment for the longest possible periods. Recent initiatives have seen Bentley Maintenance grow into one of the industry’s leading technical function.

What We’re Looking For

A basic awareness of electrical and mechanical skills, along with an interest in technology (such as coding), would be advantageous. The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to an inclusive environment and help create a safe space for all to learn and grow


• Be open‑minded, inquisitive, and able to plan and prioritise workload to collaborate effectively


• Be tenacious and resilient, while remaining adaptable to the needs of others


• Take ownership of decisions and strive for the best outcomes

Training Provider Entry Requirements:

Chesire College South & West-

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above

For more information on the Training Provider please click here

Skills Requirements

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills


• Effective problem‑solving ability


• Confident presentation skills


• Ability to work well as part of a team


• Interest in automotive technology (desired)

What we offer

As an Apprentice you will have access to the following benefits:

• A salary of £24,929


• Flexible working hours


• Optional car lease scheme with access to VW group cars (VW, Seat, Skoda, Audi)  


• Support from our Early Careers team and 121 manager mentorship


• 35 days’ holiday inclusive of bank holidays


• 10% pension contribution with life assurance benefits

Right To Work:

To be eligible for an Early Careers programme you must have a legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship scheme. We welcome students who have Settled Status. We are unable to offer sponsorship for our Early Careers positions.

#BelongingAtBentley
Motivated to be the most diverse, inclusive luxury car company, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered. 

We firmly believe in equal opportunities for all, helping all colleagues thrive as their authentic selves and reach their highest potential. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, belongs at Bentley. Everyone is entitled to respect and dignity and we positively celebrate the differences between people.

Working at Bentley

To learn more about what life is like working at Bentley, and our assessment process view our Candidate Pack here.

Applications are open to everyone, from school or college leavers to those looking for a change of career, subject to entry requirements above. Please note if you are applying based off predicted grades, your offer will be conditional to obtaining the Training Provider entry requirements.

Closing date: 20th February 2026

Useful Links:

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For more information on the Apprenticeship Standard please click here

To find out more about life at Bentley view our Apprenticeship candidate pack here