Operations apprentice Review
at Mars
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Melton Mowbray
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
3.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
Overall my job consists of working on the line at Mars. Currently there is not much structure to our day therefore we find ourselves working out on the line. This is good because it helps us learn the process and we gain a good understanding from this. However sometimes I feel that this is not what was on the job description and I feel we should be more involved in the business gaining knowledge of different areas in operations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Overall the people on shift are very helpful. They engage when questions are asked and are not afraid to go out of their way to help us. However I do feel it’s more us working on the line rather than gaining knowledge of how the business runs and what makes Mars tick.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have definitely learnt new skills on the line and how the factory runs as a hole. This has helped me with fitting in on the line and building new relationships.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I do feel this part of the apprenticeship needs some work. There is no real structure to our day meaning we are working on the line all the time. This is not a problem however it is hard to find workplace examples for our university work. For example it would help if we related our uni tasks to what we are doing in the workplace so they are easier to complete.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
We receive great support from our line managers and shift supervisors. However this maybe should not be their responsibility to look after apprentices on shift as they have their own shift to manage. I do feel sometimes there isn’t many people to turn to if any of the apprentices need support. I will just add people on shift and our line managers always step in when needed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Overall the university are very good. Offering reviews every few months to catch up with apprentices and line managers. They also make the apprentices fill out a review form which the relevant Mars person can also read when in the monthly meeting with the apprentice.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I would say learning the course has helped however there is not much opportunity to express these topics on shift. You can find some examples however the course consists of many things varying from engineering to health and safety topics and even some communication techniques.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Mars have team builds every few months offering the shift to get together for a team build. Also, more recently there have been all associate days bringing the factory all together.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mars to a friend?
Yes
Why?
If there was 50/50 button I would choose this option. At the start I felt we were more engaged and involved with things outside the factory more operations wise. However, over the past few months with various staff changes I feel we are more distanced.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mars?
Ask questions about the specific factory you’re going to if possible. Learn specificity what you will be doing day to day and what line you will be working on.
