Vertu Motors plc, the Gateshead-based vehicle retail group, has been named one of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2026.
The company was the highest-ranked automotive retail group on the national list, which is compiled by the UK Government and HIGHERiN.
The ranking recognizes organizations across England that show a strong commitment to apprenticeships through achievement, opportunity, and apprentice experience.
Vertu’s leadership says its inclusion reflects consistent performance across all three categories and reinforces the company’s focus on developing future talent.
How the rankings are decided
The Top 100 and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer lists assess employers on several factors. These include successful completion rates, the breadth and accessibility of opportunities offered — particularly to young people — and the quality of the apprentice experience as shown in feedback and reviews.
Vertu currently supports 285 apprentices, with 12 of them pursuing degree-level apprenticeships. The group works with 16 training providers to deliver 26 apprenticeship standards, designed to align skills development with the operational needs of the business.
In the last financial year, 130 apprentices successfully completed their programs.
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Over the same period, Vertu welcomed more than 50 new apprentices, with another cohort joining in the current financial year to date.
For a company that sells cars, having a deep bench of internally trained technicians and managers matters more than it might in other industries.
The automotive retail sector has long struggled with skills gaps, particularly as vehicles become more technologically complex.
Vertu’s investment in apprenticeships isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a practical hedge against a tightening labor market where experienced mechanics and service advisors are increasingly hard to find.
What the CEO had to say
Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu, said the recognition highlights the work across the business to create meaningful career pathways. “Apprenticeships play a vital role in shaping our future workforce, and it is encouraging to see those efforts acknowledged at a national level,” he said.
Forrester described the company’s apprenticeship scheme as focused on giving people the chance to gain skills, qualifications, and experience that puts them on the road to a rewarding career in the automotive sector. He noted that apprentices bring fresh perspectives and energy into the organization while also helping existing colleagues progress and build long-term careers.
“The breadth of programmes we offer ensures people can develop in a wide range of roles, from technical specialisms through to leadership pathways,” Forrester said. He pointed out that several colleagues who started on the Degree Apprenticeship program over recent years have already moved into management roles across the group. “We are confident that there will be many more over the coming years,” he added.
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