R&D Apprentice Review

I am currently an apprentice Mechanical Engineer employed in the R&D (Research and Development) Packaging Department at Leeds, where I am working on numerous projects. My work plan is to provide me with exposure to a wide range of technical projects which relate to the subjects I am studying at University. This enables me to re-enforce academic knowledge, by application, in real life situations.

In 2014 I achieved a foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hull. The final three years of the scheme will progress me to achieving a Bachelor degree in the discipline.

I thoroughly enjoy working for a global organisation. There are numerous challenges associated with the type of work we are involved with, but I find it a great opportunity to work in such a diverse team and together with colleagues situated all around the world.

Extremely - the company and people working here in Leeds have invested a significant amount of time into the development of this Apprenticeship scheme and tailoring it to offer the best possible opportunities.

Very well organised - the scheme followed a tailored structure to ensure all Apprentices' get the relevant exposure in required technical fields during the course.

The University of Hull are extremely helpful and are always trying to ensure part-time students receive the same level of support as full time students doing the same courses. They are easily reachable and offer different forums to help students who commute from quite a distance (like myself).

Unilever are always open and I have no issues with approaching my line manager or other members of the team for help / guidance.

I feel Unilever offer a very competitive salary considering the travel and University expenses are also fully covered by the scheme.

Yes - Unilever offer a range vitality schemes outside of work. The organisation have a wide array of benefits such as free gym passes, local sports venues, discounts on lots of large businesses, etc.

Yes

I very much enjoy working for Unilever and personally I value a lot of what the organisation stand for. They have a great drive but are always considering other impacts of being such a large organisation (I.e. social, environmental, etc.).

I would very much recommend taking an involvement in some work experience in an industry similar to what they would be getting involved with - this would ensure they are committing to something they are truly passionate about. I also feel voluntary work looks very impressive on a CV and shows a person to be out-going (which a prospective employer would hold highly).