AN automotive retail professional from Mansfield is set to race ahead in her career after completing a degree-level apprenticeship, paid for by her employer, Vertu Motors plc.

Along with five other apprentices from Vertu locations across the UK, Charlotte Sinacola, who works in the operations team at Bristol Street Motors Mansfield Hyundai, graduated from Northumbria University with a BA honours in business leadership and management practice — and also received a CMI Level 5 diploma in management and leadership, earning the title of CMI chartered manager.

Charlotte, who joined Vertu after finishing her A-Levels, said: “I always knew I didn’t fancy going to university as I enjoyed working and knew full-time education wasn’t going to be for me, so I started looking for degree apprenticeships as an alternative.

“It could be stressful at times, but my colleagues always ensured I had plenty of time to focus on my coursework and helped me to better understand how the theory applies to the workplace.”

Charlotte’s experience was enriched by attending Northumbria University.