Mars Apprentices Gain Specialist Welding Skills at Stephenson College

Level 3 Engineering (Mechatronics) apprentices from Mars’ Melton Mowbray site have been expanding their practical skills this month through a specialist two‑week welding programme at Stephenson College - a standout opportunity made possible through Loughborough College Group.

Marcus, Lottie, Jacob and Josh are part of Mars’ highly competitive five‑year Level 3 Engineering apprenticeship, which saw around 250 applicants compete for just four places. While the apprentices are based primarily at Loughborough College for their academic studies, their time at the College Group’s Stephenson site in Coalville has allowed them to access exceptional welding and fabrication facilities that are unique within the group.

During their two‑week stint at Stephenson College, the apprentices completed a introduction hand fitting, fabrication, TIG aluminium welding and TIG stainless steel welding. They described the experience as “fantastic” and “a brilliant opportunity to get hands‑on,” praising the facilities for giving them real‑world exposure to specialist engineering skills.

The teaching, which was delivered by Stephenson College Engineering Lecturer Stephen Smith, also received glowing feedback from all four apprentices. Josh explained how accessible the learning felt: “It was really easy to learn by watching the lecturer and then repeating the activity ourselves. Being in a college workshop means you are in a supportive environment and can learn through trial and error.”

All four apprentices highlighted the value of the constant feedback they received, noting that the lecturer kept them engaged, offered guidance when needed, and encouraged independence so they could work things out for themselves.

Stephen was equally impressed, commenting that the group had “blown him away with their enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and ability to pick up new skills - all to an impressively high standard for beginners.”

The Mars apprenticeship combines academic study with hands‑on industry experience. One day per week is spent at Loughborough College, where the apprentices study technical drawing, mathematics, materials, health and safety and more. The remaining four days are spent at Mars, where they rotate through a series of three‑month placements across different departments. This structure gives them a broad understanding of the business and helps them develop both mechanical and electrical engineering skills

All four apprentices were unanimous in their praise for the programme and the opportunities provided by Loughborough College Group. They emphasised that apprenticeships are an excellent route not only for school leavers but also for anyone looking to pivot into a new industry.