---
title: "Mars Adds Over 30 Engineering Jobs and Grows Its Whiskas…"
canonical: "https://www.metaintro.com/blog/mars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships"
language: "en"
author: "drashtigarach"
published: "2026-11-10T13:42:15.000Z"
modified: "2026-11-10T13:42:15.000Z"
---

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# Mars Adds Over 30 Engineering Jobs and Grows Its Whiskas Factory Apprenticeships to 33 in a £161m (About $216m) Upgrade

Mars is putting £161m (about $216m) into its Melton Mowbray Whiskas factory, with over 30 engineering roles and 33 apprentice places by 2027. See how to apply.

[![Drashti Garach](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:40:40/q:72/plain/images/5719d740-e510-42bc-8017-e040d145f35f_1766029465094.png)Drashti Garach @DrashtiGarach](/blog/author/drashtigarach)

[November 10, 2026](/blog/archive/2026/11)12 min read

![Engineering apprentice in safety glasses adjusting a pouch packing machine in a pet food factory](https://cdn.metaintro.com/rs:fill:1200:675/q:78/plain/images/10824.jpg)

[https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=Mars%20Adds%20Over%2030%20Engineering%20Jobs%20and%20Grows%20Its%20Whiskas%20Factory%20Apprenticeships%20to%2033%20in%20a%20%C2%A3161m%20(About%20%24216m)%20Upgrade&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships](https://x.com/intent/tweet?text=Mars%20Adds%20Over%2030%20Engineering%20Jobs%20and%20Grows%20Its%20Whiskas%20Factory%20Apprenticeships%20to%2033%20in%20a%20%C2%A3161m%20(About%20%24216m)%20Upgrade&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships)[http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships)[https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships&title=Mars%20Adds%20Over%2030%20Engineering%20Jobs%20and%20Grows%20Its%20Whiskas%20Factory%20Apprenticeships%20to%2033%20in%20a%20%C2%A3161m%20(About%20%24216m)%20Upgrade](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships&title=Mars%20Adds%20Over%2030%20Engineering%20Jobs%20and%20Grows%20Its%20Whiskas%20Factory%20Apprenticeships%20to%2033%20in%20a%20%C2%A3161m%20(About%20%24216m)%20Upgrade)[mailto:?subject=Mars%20Adds%20Over%2030%20Engineering%20Jobs%20and%20Grows%20Its%20Whiskas%20Factory%20Apprenticeships%20to%2033%20in%20a%20%C2%A3161m%20(About%20%24216m)%20Upgrade&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships](mailto:?subject=Mars%20Adds%20Over%2030%20Engineering%20Jobs%20and%20Grows%20Its%20Whiskas%20Factory%20Apprenticeships%20to%2033%20in%20a%20%C2%A3161m%20(About%20%24216m)%20Upgrade&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metaintro.com%2Fblog%2Fmars-melton-mowbray-161m-engineering-jobs-apprenticeships)

[Mars, Incorporated](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing) unveiled a [£161 million (GBP) investment](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing) (about $216 million) in its Melton Mowbray pet food factory on November 10, and the upgrade will create [more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles in the first year](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing). The same plan expands the site's apprentice program [from 26 to 33 permanent positions by 2027](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing). This is a modernisation story more than a mass-hiring one, because the Leicestershire site [employs about 200 people](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/). For [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) readers in the East Midlands, this guide covers what the money builds, the apprenticeships and operator job Mars lists for the site, what they pay, what UK apprentice pay law requires and how to apply.

## What Is Mars Building at the Melton Mowbray Factory?

The money pays for new machinery and less waste. The upgrade brings [new high-speed, fully recyclable pouch production lines, advanced manufacturing technologies and waste reducing utility upgrades](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing) to the site, which is [home of WHISKAS® in the UK](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

Two pieces of kit stand out. Smart optical sorting is meant [to cut production waste by over 50%](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing), and the new pouch lines will [allow the site to switch to fully recyclable mono-PP packaging](https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2117189-mars-dishes-out-161m-for-melton-mowbray-factory-makeover).

This is a long programme. The work is [running through 2031](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here), and it will establish Melton Mowbray as [Mars' primary pouched pet food factory in the UK](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here).

The site already works at scale. It can make [more than one million pouches of pet food a day](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/), and it supplies [95 per cent of its output to British households](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here) with the rest going to European markets.

## How Many Jobs Does the £161 Million Upgrade Actually Create?

The new apprenticeships have a clear focus. They will cover [technical and operational areas, including mechanical and electrical engineering](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here).

The apprentice figure describes the size of [the permanent apprenticeship cohort](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here) once it has grown, not a count of new hires.

Be clear about scale. Set against a site that [employs about 200 people](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/), the new roles are an addition, not a hiring wave. No job titles, pay or advertising dates for the new roles appear in [the Mars announcement](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

## Which Mars Apprenticeships Are Listed at Melton Mowbray?

Three Melton Mowbray apprenticeships for the 2027 intake are listed on Mars's jobs board, the [Level 3 Engineering](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1), [Level 4 Engineering](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769) and [Operations](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Operations-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170794-1) schemes. None of the listings makes clear whether it counts toward the new places, so treat them as the route in.

- **Level 3 Engineering Apprentice.** This is a [4-year Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician apprenticeship, followed by a final year to complete your Level 4 HTQ qualification, totalling 5 years](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1). Apprentices will be [learning how to diagnose complex mechanical and electrical faults](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1) across mechanical, electrical and utilities areas. By the end, apprentices should be able to [carry out complex fault diagnosis and repairs and provide technical coaching to others](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1).
- **Level 4 Engineering Apprentice.** This [4-year Apprenticeship](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769) works toward [the Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard in Engineering Manufacturing Technician](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769), with work on root cause analysis, project management and technical leadership.
- **Operations Apprentice.** This is a [3-year Apprenticeship](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Operations-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170794-1) toward [a Level 3 Food and Drink Technical Operator qualification](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Operations-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170794-1), learning to operate, diagnose faults on and maintain factory equipment.

Both engineering schemes involve travel between the factory and [Loughborough College](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769), as the [Level 3](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1) and [Level 4](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769) listings both ask for applicants who are [willing and able to travel to our Melton Mowbray site and Loughborough College](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769).

> Applications will be reviewed regularly and may close early if we receive a high number of applicants, according to [the Mars engineering apprentice listing](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1).

## What Do You Need to Apply for a Mars Engineering Apprenticeship?

Start with the [Level 3 Engineering Apprentice listing](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1). It asks for [5 GCSEs Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths, English, and Science, and any other 2 subjects](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1), a demonstrable interest in engineering and leadership, and applicants must [be 16+ by the 6th September 2027](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1). There is also a ceiling on prior learning, as you [must not have more than 2 years engineering experience, prior learning, or qualifications higher than an NVQ Level 3 in engineering](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1).

The [Level 4 Engineering Apprentice listing](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769) asks for more. On top of [Five GCSE’s at Grade C/4 (or above) including English, Maths, and Science](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769), it needs [3 A Levels including either Maths or Physics at a C or above / an Engineering T Level / an Extended Diploma in Engineering / or progression from a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship (or equivalent Level 3 qualification)](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769). You also [must not have already studied the L4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Standard](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769), and applicants must also [be 16+ by the 6th September 2027](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769).

The operations route has a different age rule. It asks for [GCSEs Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Operations-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170794-1), and because the role involves shifts, applicants must [be 18+ by the 6th September 2027](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Operations-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170794-1).

Timing matters. Mars expects to hold assessment days for the Level 4 scheme [during February 2027](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769), and for the Level 3 scheme [during February and March 2027](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1). The [Mars UK apprenticeships page](https://careers.mars.com/uk/en/apprenticeships) lists schemes in Operations, Engineering and Data, along with an application guide and CV tips.

## What Will a Mars Apprentice Earn, and What Does UK Law Require?

Start with what Mars pays. Each of the three listings ([Level 3](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1), [Level 4](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769), [Operations](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Operations-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170794-1)) starts at £21,000 rising on completion of each academic year + annual bonus + benefits (about $28,200).

The legal minimum is set by the hour. The [current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice](https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions) is [£8 an hour](https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions) (about $10.74) for those aged 16 to 18, and for those aged 19 or over in their first year. After the first year, apprentices aged 19 or over are [entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age](https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions), and [an apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £12.71](https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) (about $17.07).

The apprentice rate rises to [£8.31 in April 2027](https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) (about $11.16).

Pay is not the only right. You must be paid for [training that’s part of your apprenticeship (at least 20% of your normal working hours)](https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions), and you get [at least 20 days paid holiday](https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions) each year, plus bank holidays. Apprentices who think they are paid below the legal rate can [contact Acas](https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates), and underpayment is the subject of [The UK Just Published the Names of Employers That Underpaid Their Staff](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/uk-minimum-wage-naming-list-underpaid-workers).

Mars has also made a public pledge on apprentice pay. Through the We Back The Future campaign, it has promised to [pay our apprentices a fair and decent wage](https://careers.mars.com/uk/en/apprenticeships).

## Is There a Mars Job at Melton Mowbray for Experienced Factory Workers?

Yes. A [Production Operator listing at Melton Mowbray](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2) sits on Mars's jobs board beside the apprenticeships, and it pays [£36,500 - £37,000 (including shift allowance, DOE)](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2) (about $49,000 to $49,700), plus a performance bonus.

The role runs on long shifts. This role is a [39-hour week on rotating 12-hour shifts](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2), with a pattern of [7-7, 2 days, 2 nights, 4 off](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2). Day-to-day perks on this listing include a [Hot food restaurant on site](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2) and [Free parking on site](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2).

The listing asks for hands-on factory experience. It wants [experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2) and skill in operating and troubleshooting production equipment, and it calls direct experience with the Manufacturing Excellence pillars [a major advantage](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2).

The benefits on this listing include a [Generous pension (up to 9% contribution)](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2), [Life assurance (4x salary)](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2), and [Annual leave starting at 24 days, rising to 32 with service](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2). This listing does not say whether it is one of the new roles tied to the upgrade.

## Why Is Mars Putting £161 Million Into Melton Mowbray Now?

The factory has deep roots. It [was built in 1951 and is where Whiskas cat food and Pedigree dog food were first made](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/), and plant manager Sharon Ross called it [our first pet care site](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here).

It is one of several UK bets. The new money takes the company's [total capital investment in the UK to £661 million since 2021](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing) (about $888 million), following [£190m for its chocolate factory in Slough](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/) (about $255 million) unveiled in May. The Melton Mowbray project is also part of plans [to invest €1bn in its European operations by the end of 2026](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/) (about $1.12 billion).

Britain matters to the business. Mars [employs over 10,000 Associates across Britain, which serves as the company’s second-largest market globally](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing), and it runs [eight manufacturing facilities across the UK](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

> The UK is a cornerstone of our global pet care business at Mars, and this £161 million investment is a direct statement of our confidence in the UK market and the vital role our British factories play within our wider European network, Nick Foster, General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition, Northern Europe, said on November 10, according to [the Mars announcement](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

The county council wants the jobs to reach local people. Kevin Crook, acting leader of Leicestershire County Council, said the council is working [to bring partners together to help increase employment opportunities for local people and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors to be a part of this investment](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here). Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the plans would [bring jobs, apprenticeships and opportunities to local communities](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

## What Happens to Mars Apprentices After They Qualify?

Most are offered a job. Mars has a [97% permanent placement offer rate for apprentices upon completion of their training](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

The program is not new at this site. Over the last five years, [more than 50 apprentices have completed their programmes at the Melton Mowbray site](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here).

The training also covers digital skills. Across the wider UK business, Mars [currently employs more than 140 apprentices](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing), with a curriculum designed to upskill Associates [in artificial intelligence, digital systems, and data analytics](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

One apprentice describes a family trade. James Pearson, an apprentice at the factory, said [our grandma worked here and now we do too](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here), and that apprentices are [developing the technical skills needed to move with the factory's future](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here).

## How Does This Fit the Wider Push for UK Technical Skills?

Skills shortages are part of the backdrop. The government set out a [£275m package for skills and apprenticeships](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/) (about $369 million) last year, and a Department for Education campaign survey found [nine in ten manufacturing SMEs expected a skills shortfall within their business over the following 12 months](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/). Youth unemployment in the UK is the subject of [Why UK Youth Unemployment Is a Broken Ladder Not a Lazy Generation](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/uk-youth-unemployment-broken-ladder-not-lazy-generation-2026).

## What This Means for Job Seekers, and What Should You Do Next?

The headline money is large, but the job count is modest, so the real value for job seekers is the apprenticeship route. A school leaver on the engineering scheme is paid [a salary that rises on completion of each academic year](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1), at a site whose [modernisation programme runs through 2031](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/midlands/mars-unveils-plans-for-161m-investment-in-melton-mowbray-site-project-is-writing-an-exciting-new-chapter-for-the-iconic-brands-like-whiskas-made-right-here). That is a long runway for people learning to maintain the machines.

- **Apply early.** The [listings](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769) warn they may close early if many people apply, so do not wait for the February assessment window.
- **Pick the right level.** With strong GCSEs but no A Levels, look at the [Level 3 Engineering Apprentice listing](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1), which asks for GCSEs rather than A Levels. If you already hold one of the entry routes set out above, look at the [Level 4 Engineering Apprentice listing](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769).
- **Show the interest the listings ask for.** Mars wants [a demonstrable interest in Engineering and Leadership](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-3-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170770-1), so bring a fix, build or project you can talk through.
- **Experienced operators can move now.** The [Production Operator role](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Production-Operator_R168690-2) is open on the Mars careers system now.

Lacey Kaelani, [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com)'s CEO, puts it this way: A factory that spends on new machines needs people who can keep them running. An apprenticeship that pays you to learn that skill is worth more than a quick job that teaches you nothing.

## Related Articles

- [The Early-Career Bet That Pays Off for Decades](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/early-career-bet-pays-off-decades-2026)
- [How to Become an Electrician and What the Apprenticeship Involves](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/how-to-launch-an-electrician-career)
- [Elevator Technician Careers and How the Apprenticeship Pays Six Figures](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/elevator-technician-career-guide)
- [Skills for Your Manufacturing Resume](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/manufacturing-resume-skills)
- [How to Get Machinist Certification and Advance Your Manufacturing Career](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/machinist-certification-manufacturing-career)
- [Why AI Won't Save Manufacturing Jobs Until Companies Fix the Work First](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/ai-wont-save-manufacturing-jobs-until-work-fixed-2026)
- [Europe Races to Add AI in Factories as Its Workforce Ages, What It Means for Manufacturing Jobs](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/europe-ai-manufacturing-workforce-2026)
- [The UK Is Racing to Track Teens Slipping Out of Work and Training](https://www.metaintro.com/blog/uk-tracking-teens-slipping-out-of-work-training)

## People Also Asked

### Q: How many jobs will the Mars Melton Mowbray investment create?

A: The upgrade will create [more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles in the first year](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing) and grow the site's permanent apprentice program [from 26 to 33 positions by 2027](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing).

### Q: How much does a Mars apprentice earn in the UK?

A: The Melton Mowbray apprenticeships start at [£21,000 rising on completion of each academic year + annual bonus + benefits](https://mars.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External/job/GBR-Leicestershire-Melton-Mowbray/Level-4-Engineering-Apprentice---Mars-Petcare---Melton_R170769) (about $28,200), compared with the [£8](https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates) (about $10.74) hourly legal rate for apprentices under 19 or in their first year.

### Q: Is Whiskas made in Melton Mowbray?

A: Yes. The factory is [home of WHISKAS® in the UK](https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/161-million-gbp-investment-midlands-pet-food-manufacturing), and it is where [Whiskas cat food and Pedigree dog food were first made](https://bmmagazine.co.uk/news/mars-pet-food-factory-161m-melton-mowbray/).

Ready to explore? [Metaintro](https://www.metaintro.com) brings together 50M jobs in one place. [Create a free profile](https://www.metaintro.com/signup) and start your search today.

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