UK Apprenticeships: Mars Adds 30 Jobs in Melton Mowbray
UK apprenticeships: Mars will spend £161m on its Melton Mowbray pet food factory, adding over 30 skilled engineering roles and growing to 33 apprentices.
UKIn brief
- Mars announced a £161 million upgrade of its Melton Mowbray pet food factory on 10 November 2026.
- More than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles will be created in the first year.
- The factory's permanent apprenticeship group will grow to 33 places, mainly in mechanical and electrical engineering.
- The modernisation programme runs until 2031.
| Country | UK |
|---|---|
| Organization | Mars Petcare UK |
| Official source | Food Manufacture – Mars invest £161M into Leicestershire factory ✓ foodmanufacture.co.uk |
Mars is investing £161 million in its pet food factory in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, and says the first year will create more than 30 skilled engineering and technical jobs and raise its apprenticeship group to 33 places. The plan was announced on 10 November 2026 and runs to 2031. Vacancies are posted on the Mars UK careers site.
What is Mars investing in?
The money will pay for fast new production lines that make recyclable pet food pouches, newer manufacturing technology and upgrades that cut waste. Cameras using artificial intelligence will spot quality problems earlier.
When the work is done, Melton Mowbray will be the company's main UK factory for pouched pet food. Mars has made pet food in the town for 75 years, and Whiskas and Pedigree are produced there.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Mars Petcare |
| Location | Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire |
| Investment | £161 million |
| New roles (year one) | More than 30 technical and engineering jobs |
| Apprenticeships | Permanent group growing to 33 |
| Programme end | 2031 |
| Mars UK investment since 2021 | More than £500 million |
Which roles are open?
Mars describes the new posts as skilled technical and engineering roles. The apprenticeships cover technical and operational areas, with mechanical and electrical engineering named directly.
Plant manager Sharon Ross said the company wants to give the next generation engineering skills that are ready for the future. The exact job titles and start dates were not published in the announcement, so check the careers page for live adverts.
Who can apply?
No special rules were given. For engineering apprenticeships in England, employers usually ask for GCSEs in maths, English and science. Experienced roles normally need a relevant engineering qualification and time spent in a factory setting. These are general guides, not Mars requirements.
Leicestershire County Council says it is bringing partners together so that local people, suppliers and contractors can benefit.
How do I apply?
- Visit the Mars careers website for the UK.
- Search for "Melton Mowbray" or filter by engineering and apprenticeship roles.
- Apply online; Mars does not ask applicants for payment.
If nothing suitable is listed today, set up a job alert, as roles will open in stages.
What it means for job seekers
- The numbers are modest, but these are well-paid skilled posts at one of the area's biggest employers.
- Apprenticeships let school leavers earn while training as engineers.
- Food factories across the UK are automating, so maintenance, electrical and controls skills are valuable.
- Work will continue for five years, which means more contracts for local trades and suppliers.
For entry-level work elsewhere, see Starbucks hiring 7,500 baristas across the UK.
More openings: all UK jobs
Frequently asked questions
How many jobs is Mars creating in Melton Mowbray?
Mars says the first year of the £161 million programme will bring more than 30 skilled technical and engineering roles, plus an apprenticeship group of 33.
What apprenticeships does Mars offer at Melton Mowbray?
The apprenticeships focus on technical and operational work, including mechanical and electrical engineering.
What is made at the Mars Melton Mowbray factory?
It makes pet food brands such as Whiskas and Pedigree. About 95% goes to UK homes and 5% is exported to Europe.
Where can I apply for Mars jobs in the UK?
Mars lists UK vacancies and apprenticeship openings on its official careers website, careers.mars.com.
Apply only on the official site.
Never pay anyone for a job, interview or visa.
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