Katie Cuthbertson has become the first degree-level finance analyst apprentice at Vertu Motors.

She has worked with the AM100 dealer group for three years, as an apprentice in the finance department.

Vertu Motors recently welcomed its second group of degree-level apprentices to the business, following a successful first year programme which launched in 2017.

The new group of 13 colleagues will achieve a BA in Business Leadership and Management as part of the apprenticeship training programme, which is among the first of its kind in the industry.

The degree-level apprenticeship provides the chance to gain a degree while earning a salary of £18,000 and holding a full-time permanent role within the business.

Vertu Motors, which owns Bristol Street Motors, will fund £27,000-worth of tuition fees during the three-and-a-half-year course.

"I saw the degree-level apprenticeship as a way to further my skills, progress my career and work towards a degree, while still earning a decent salary. I am really enjoying the programme so far; no two days are the same and I look forward to what each day will bring,” said Cuthbertson.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, added: “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 will 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 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.”