Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Review

I work within Supply Chain and have my own portfolio of brands to monitor as a Requirements Planner. I have daily interactions both internally with my team and other colleagues across the business (in the UK and in Europe), as well as interactions externally with our Sourcing Units. I have many of my own responsibilities, and have been involved in specific projects which all have direct impact on the business.

I've been able to develop typical skills such as teamwork and presentation skills within my role- most importantly I have built up my confidence and now feel comfortable with what I am doing in my day to day role, as well as any other activities which may once have pushed me far out of my comfort zone. As part of my apprenticeship I also have taken part in training courses in things such as Excel and wellbeing.

I really like my programme and enjoy coming to work everyday. The atmosphere is always positive and I enjoy holding the responsibilities of my everyday role. I am now in my second role placement, before I was in Supply Chain customer Service, which helped to ease me into working in the business before I moved to be a Planner.

I don't feel as if I am treated as an apprentice, more as a regular Unilever employee. I hold just as much responsibility as my colleagues and feel that my work is recognised to be making a difference both internally and externally. My manager is interested in my apprenticeship and I feel values my work.

I had a thorough induction when I first started, which really helped me to understand Unilever as a whole and how my role fit into the business. For both roles that I have been in, I have had effective training which has left me confident to fill the role. In addition to this, I have a mentor who I meet with, who acts as support and good point of contact. My programme is well organised and is flexible around my 8 hours study time a week.

The Open University offers a lot of support to us on our programme. We have a tutor who comes in every 3 months to check in with us and they also run our workplace module of our degree, so we have regular contact through phone calls and emails. The Apprenticeship agency are also very supportive and useful if I have any questions.

Unilever are very supportive- in particular the apprentice team in HR. My managaer and mentor are also very supportive in regards to both my everyday work and my uni work. I feel that if I did have any problems, I would be able to find appropriate support quickly and easily.

My salary meets my costs- I still live at home, so can afford to put a reasonable amount of money away in savings each month, as well as covering my 'living costs' each month, and still have money left to spend on socialising and any travel costs that I may have.

There are often company why opportunities that happen outside of the office, that encourage everyone to get involved. There is also the gym that is available at work, and team events that we take part in. In addition to this, I also socialise a lot outside of work, with friends that I have made at work.

Yes

Unilever is a huge company, where you will feel that you will be making a difference. Wellbeing is monitored and no one is treated differently or unfairly based on their role, or heirarchy within the business. There are loads of opportunities.

The application process is quite long and involves research and preparation. The process is competitive but friendly, and it's important to be honest with both the interviewer and yourself.