Formulation Scientist Review

My job title was an R&D apprentice for 4 years and i am now a qualified formulation scientist. Daily tasks include developing products for global brands and connecting with colleagues across the world to share insights and help achieve a common goal. Day to day this may mean making products in the lab, designing experiments or submitting the necessary safety paperwork for studies to go ahead.

During my apprenticeship I was able to gain a BSC (Hons) in Chemistry and an advanced higher apprenticeship HNC award in Chemical Science in Industry. As well as this we are given the opportunity for training courses to expand our scientific knowledge. Working at Unilever has allowed me to develop myself both academically and in practice at work.

My programme was really enjoyable - the group of people that work at Unilever are great and there is a relaxed but focused environment to work in. It exceeded my expectations before beginning the apprenticeship and I enjoyed my time as an apprentice.

Throughout your apprenticeship you are treated like every other employee, there is no stigma behind being an apprentice. The responsibility you are given is the right balance with university work in order to keep a good work-life balance.

The programme was very well organised. There was plenty of opportunity to talk to mentors/managers if necessary to discuss problems and there was always a clear schedule for university study and work.

The support at the University was good and there was as little or as much as you felt you needed. Having worked in a on-the-job environment, this gave me confidence to seek guidance if necessary. Although it was challenging at times, I enjoyed my degree.

I am lucky to have a supportive employer - my manager is always there to give me advice when I need it and I found this throughout the apprenticeship. I have always found the leadership team at Unilever to be truly interested in me as a person and willing to help me progress in my career.

Very well. The wages for the apprenticeship are extremely reasonable and allow you to finish on a good wage at the end of the apprenticeship. For me personally I live 20 minutes away from work and find that I am easily able to afford my travel costs.

There are usually lots of social events outside of work that you can get involved in. In the past there has been more company events than there are recently - but I have still had 2 in the last year which were enjoyable.

Yes

I would recommend Unilever to a friend because they are a global company but have a personal feel. It's great to be around so many friendly experienced people who genuinely want to invest in you as an individual.

Be yourself in interview, one of the most important aspects of working at Unilever is to be good with people and work as a team. If you have any work experience this would be a great example of how you have expressed some key skills for the role!