How we work with Mars

Yet the business relies on a highly proficient engineering department to develop and maintain the machinery used in the manufacturing process.

Structured framework for employees 

By 2010 the department had put in place a successful Monitored Professional Development Scheme for joining graduates. This also motivated senior engineers who had not been registered: causing them to commit to achieving chartered status by the end of the year.

In this way the department fueled a drive towards registration. Seniors and juniors completed the process together, motivated by each other and by us.

One of our representatives visited the department to explain the programme and its benefits, which include mitigating risk and pre-empting future legislation or a company policy change that would make registration compulsory.

Then, throughout the process, representatives were on hand to provide support. They visited Mars regularly to answer questions, offer advice and critique professional review reports. As the engineers did not have to travel to our London headquarters, the department’s productivity was not compromised.

With 100% of the department’s senior engineers achieving registration, the programme was a resounding success. The momentum gained during the process has also grown the department’s credibility internally, with a report on the programme appearing in the company’s in-house magazine and our then president, John Wood, paying them a visit. It also enables Mars to demonstrate and promote its in-house technical engineering expertise to external partners, clients and other important stakeholders - and in doing so, to further build the company’s reputation.