At Mars, we believe learning and development is an integral part of how we perform every day. By giving Associates the opportunity to grow in their roles and access to a wide range of training programs through our digital learning offerings, great functional colleges and award winning Leadership programs, Associates are empowered to take ownership of their career development
We have a world-class competency model which spans across functional areas and gives all our Associates a common language to talk development. Working closely with their Line Manager, Associates are able to build the skills and competencies they need to succeed whichever career path they choose.
Mars University – or Mars U, as we like to call it, has no physical building as such. Mars U made up of 11 functional colleges, deployment team and subject matter experts that help build the capabilities of our Associates to meet the needs of the business today and tomorrow.
We regularly partner with top notch learning institutions such as the Centre of Creative Leadership, London Business School, International Institute for Management Development, INSEAD and Darden (University of Virginia). Think of Mars U as a business school, complete with a virtual library of resources to support a spirit of lifelong learning, guided by The Five Principles.
Our 70/20/10 learning model advocates for a healthy mixture of Associate led learning using digital or social modalities, classroom based training, social learning, mentorship and real-world learning. Under our model, only 10 percent of learning comes from courses and trainings. Another 20 percent comes from great mentors and learning from peers, and the remaining 70 percent is from having an opportunity to learn on the job by doing, being stretched.
As a Mars Associate, you’ll love the fact that learning never stops. And we’re not the only ones who agree. In 2017, we were awarded the GOLD Excellence in Practice award for our Accelerated Leadership Program by the European Federation of Management Development. The Gallup organization agrees, awarding us with The Great Workplace Award for the last 7 years.