R&D Apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.9/10

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

Main role is as a formulation scientist which involves making formulations and then characterizing them. However, for this semester in particular, I spend a lot of time at University completing the degree as part of the apprentice

10/10

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

Lots of new skills ranging from communication to the more technical side of using equipment which can be bespoke. I've also learnt a lot about the technology behind the products from the projects that I've worked on

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It's been a brilliant experience so far, it's been easy to get involved with clubs and you are treated just like any other employee. Everyone has been extremely helpful and knowledgeable

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by Unilever?

Quite highly, they appreciate the value apprentices add to projects that they are trying to deliver and will listen to what your ideas. They have plenty of internal and external recognition with some apprentices being taken to the national apprenticeship awards.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The scheme at this point runs smoothly with apprentices having completed or currently within the process. It continues to improve every year through feedback and you have plenty of support from the managers and peers throughout the process.

9/10

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

Training provider is the University and you are treated just like any other full time student. You can ask your personal tutors for advice or your lecturers for help on anything you do not understand.

10/10

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

The line manager and apprentice manager are very approachable and will guide you through any problems you have. This could be through advice or through the well being options available at work

10/10

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

The salary is very competitive for higher level apprentices.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

You have access to all of the clubs at work from football to badminton as well as the societies at University so there is plenty of opportunities to get involved.

10/10

9. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It's a way to gain four years worth of experience at a top company whilst still obtaining a degree free of debt.

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

Try and be calm for your interview and give yourself a small amount of time to think your answer through before saying it. Prepare for the interview by doing some research into what the company does and the main policies of the company