R&D chemistry apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.3/10

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

Job title- Research and development chemistry apprentice, daily tasks include laboratory work and then reviewing the results and data manipulation at a desk.

8/10

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

qualifications: HNC in chemistry, currently topping up to a Bsc. Various internal training courses, professional skills include: organisation and presenting skills.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy this programme very much, the work is what I expected and the team were very welcoming to me. The company culture is a friendly environment where all questions are allowed

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by Unilever?

I feel very valued by Unilever, my manager and I have a catch up every month to see how everything is going, checking if I am doing well at university and if I have any problems or issues at work or if I am struggling.

8/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure of the programme is very organised, the induction and training match with what I was learning through university. For example what I was doing in the laboratories at work was then being backed up through taught lectures.

7/10

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

The university provides training through taught lectures and tutorials, with electronic notes and slides on the website incase anything was missed, I also have a Tutor who I can email if I have any questions or if I am struggling with a topic.

9/10

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

Upon joining I was assigned a mentor for any chemistry help as well as a buddy for any other simple issues I had that I felt I couldn't go to my manager about.

9/10

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

The salary meets my living costs and travelling to work, the location is not too great as it is a 20-30min journey from surrounding towns however the actual site is nice.

7/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There are many opportunities outside of work, including voluntary initiatives that colleagues organise. There is also a sports/social club on site which offers different sports and activities every day

10/10

9. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Unilever is globally recognised as well as supporting you from day one. Also they fund the degree, so essentially earning whilst you are learning with other bonuses

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

Learn about the company before the interview, some of the interview questions are tailored to how well you understand the company. There is also a telephone interview before assessment day.