Digital Technology Solutions Professional – IT Consultant Degree Apprentice

You will play a key role in supporting factory IT systems that keep our production lines running smoothly and safely. You’ll learn how technology underpins modern manufacturing and gain hands-on experience working across automation, infrastructure, data, and operational technology.

Role

Throughout the apprenticeship, you will develop both technical and consultancy skills through real-world projects and responsibilities such as: 

Supporting Factory IT Operations: 

  • Act as a first point of contact for IT issues impacting production systems and equipment
  • Support site teams (Operations, Engineering, Maintenance) with IT tools and systems they rely on daily

Delivering IT Solutions: 

  • Support the implementation of factory IT projects following global standards and best practices
  • Assist with maintaining the site’s factory IT understanding long-term technology needs
  • Help manage IT assets, including inventory, health checks and lifecycle planning
  • Learn to create and monitor Key Performance Indicators for system performance, availability, and reliability

Developing Consultancy Skills: 

  • Build strong working relationships with production, engineering, and external suppliers
  • Understand business needs and help translate them into IT requirements
  • Participate in meetings to explain technical issues in a clear and simple way
  • Support communication and awareness of new IT tools, solutions, and services across the site

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: 

  • Assist with issue resolution for factory IT systems and escalate problems when needed
  • Work with Engineering and Maintenance teams to update procedures and drive improvements
  • Contribute ideas for digital and automation enhancements within the factory environment

Technical Skills You Will Develop:

  • Server and virtual infrastructure administration 
  • Network fundamentals (e.g., Cisco architectures) 
  • Database concepts and SQL 
  • IT/Organisation Technology security principles 
  • Cloud and enterprise systems awareness 
  • Data handling, reporting and advanced Excel/VBA 
  • Understanding automation layers in manufacturing 
  • Maintain and troubleshoot factory IT infrastructure across automation levels  

All required technical training is provided and supported through the apprenticeship programme. 

Training

Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6.

The apprenticeship requires you to attend a fully funded residential over the course of the apprenticeship programme. Subject to change, the timetable is as follows:

  • Year 1: September - end November 
  • Year 2: 1 week in September, January and May 
  • Year 3: September   

The employer is ready to invest in the skills of the successful candidate. This is a long-term career opportunity.

Apprenticeship Standard
Digital and technology solutions professional (level 6)
Training Provider
SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY
Working Week
Monday to Friday shifts to be confirmed.
Expected Duration
3 Years
Positions Available
1
Closing Date
Thursday, 29th January 2026
Start Date
Tuesday, 1st September 2026

Desired Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Initiative

Qualifications

  • Any subject A Level, grade BBC / Distinction Merit Merit (Essential)

About the Employer

MARS PETCARE UK
Mars in Melton Mowbray is a large, family-owned business that operates within the company's Petcare division. The site is dedicated to producing pet food and related products, guided by the company's Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
Company
MARS PETCARE UK
Location
Mill Street, Melton Mowbray, England
Employment Type
Degree Apprenticeship
Salary
£24,000 a year
Posted
Company
MARS PETCARE UK
Location
Mill Street, Melton Mowbray, England
Employment Type
Degree Apprenticeship
Salary
£24,000 a year
Posted