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- Tasks: Join a 3-year apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience and leadership skills in operations.
- Company: Mars Petcare is dedicated to improving the lives of pets worldwide with top nutrition brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and best-in-class training from day one.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven team that values pets and fosters personal growth.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, a passion for teamwork, and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Applications may close early due to high interest; assessment days are expected in March/April 2025.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a 3-year Apprenticeship, where you will be working towards the Level 3 Food and Drink Technical Operator qualification. You will take part in fantastic training courses and team building events, whilst tackling real challenges and taking on real responsibility. You’ll need to be a great team player and communicator, with the motivation to get results and a positive mindset. As a Mars Apprentice you will gain a professional qualification, as well as on the job experience. Salary £20,000 rising on completion of each academic year + annual bonus + benefits.
Our Mars Petcare division has more than 100,000 Petcare Associates spending their days thinking about the 400 million pets of the world and how to improve their lives through our nutrition, health and services businesses. This includes famous nutrition brands like PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS®. At Mars Petcare, we believe that pets make the world a better place. We work towards our Purpose: A Better World for Pets. You would be joining part of our team who produces our fantastic James Wellbeloved pet food.
What are we looking for?
- GCSEs Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English
- A demonstrable interest in leadership and being hands on
- The ability to work as part of a team
- The desire to learn
- Willing and able to travel to our Castle Cary site and Bridgewater and Taunton College
- You must be 16+ by the 1st September 2025
- You must not have more than 2 years operations experience, prior learning, or qualifications higher than an NVQ Level 3 in operations
What would be your key responsibilities?
- With strong mentorship and coaching from our experienced Operations Associates you will be developing leadership skills to enable you to lead a team to achieve results
- Learning how to operate, diagnose faults, repair and maintain our equipment
- Working across both process and wrapping areas
- Applying all relevant Mars quality and safety systems to ensure the safety of people and products is maintained.
On successful completion of the Operations Apprenticeship you will have demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to take ownership and accountability for a number of machines, processes or pieces of equipment and carry out complex operational tasks, enabling you to coordinate a team of operational Associates to achieve line KPIs and take the lead in repairing mechanical breakdowns.
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
- Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
Applications will be reviewed regularly and may close early if we receive a high number of applicants. We currently expect to hold our assessment day during March/April 2025.
Want to know more about the recruitment process? Visit the Apprenticeship page on our careers website. We are keen for all applicants to demonstrate their full potential during our recruitment process. If you could benefit from any support or adjustments to this recruitment process for any reason, including those related to a disability, please let us know at apprenticesupport@effem.com. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence.
Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Apprentice - Mars Petcare - Castle Cary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Mars Petcare's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to improving the lives of pets will help you align your answers during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their purpose.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous teamwork experiences you have, whether in school projects or extracurricular activities. Being a great team player is crucial for this role, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to a team's success.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your eagerness to learn by researching the Level 3 Food and Drink Technical Operator qualification. Showing that you understand what the apprenticeship entails and how it fits into your career goals can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions about the training courses and mentorship opportunities available during the apprenticeship. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the programme aligns with your learning style and career aspirations.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Apprentice - Mars Petcare - Castle Cary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Operations Apprentice position. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what Mars Petcare is looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your interest in leadership and teamwork, as well as any hands-on experience you may have. Include your GCSE results and any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your motivation to learn.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work at Mars Petcare and how you can contribute to their mission of improving the lives of pets. Be sure to express your willingness to learn and grow within the apprenticeship.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, double-check for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are important qualities for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As an Operations Apprentice, being a great team player is crucial. During the interview, share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, highlighting your communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Interest in Leadership
Mars is looking for candidates with a demonstrable interest in leadership. Prepare to discuss any experiences where you've taken initiative or led a group, even in informal settings, to showcase your potential as a future leader.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
This apprenticeship is all about growth and learning. Be ready to talk about your eagerness to learn new skills and take on challenges. Mention specific areas you're excited to develop in, especially related to food and drink operations.
✨Understand Mars' Purpose
Familiarise yourself with Mars' mission of creating a better world for pets. In the interview, express your alignment with this purpose and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in improving pet nutrition and health.
