R&D chemistry apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.1/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

On a day to day basis I aid the team I am involved in with laboratory work. A typical day will involve lab work, data processing and write ups using various methods.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have completed a HNC in chemistry and am going onto a Bsc. I have also been trained on various instrumentation for which I can use unsupervised. I have also gained confidence.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy the laboratory work, it's challenging and exciting, the job is what I expected it to be. The overall experience I am gaining whilst here is also enjoyable.

9/10

4. How valued do you feel by Unilever?

I felt like one of the team from day one, not just a person who had just left school. I feel highly valued and get high praise from colleagues and my line manager

9/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is well structured, we have a dedicated person responsible for the organisation of the apprentice scheme who checks up on us on a regular basis.

9/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Through my apprenticeship I travel to university once a week, whilst there we are given lectures, if the lectures aren't fully clear there is support material online, failing that I visit my tutor.

9/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I have been assigned a mentor who I can go to for any problem, big or small. I get support from colleagues in my team and my line manager, everyone is happy to help.

10/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

My salary gives me the ability to pay living costs, whilst also having money left over for spending/saving. The location of my work is also good, it is 20mins from the nearest busy town.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I haven't had any opportunities myself, although I know fellow apprentices who have had various activities outside of work. I would like to have more opportunities to do activities outside of work.

7/10

9. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I would highly recommend the Unilever apprenticeship programme, they support you from day one and aid you in both academic and job learnings.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?

Learn everything you can about the company, prepare everything beforehand, preparation is key.