Sustainable Business & Communications Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship role is with the Sustainable Business & Communications function within Campaigns, I work on & with a team who land global campaigns internally / externally for Unilever. Part of a team that drives sustainable business narrative and progress of sustainable living, build strengths across the business to help it to grow and bring a vision to life of our goals, our work, our podcasts and our purpose.

With out a doubt, my apprenticeship has given me the skill set for the corporate world and allowed me to develop into a individual who is rounded on all angles, skills ranging from the simplest of communication to managing stakeholders and how work / projects should be carried out.

Work just does not feel like work, from carrying out global activates to just supporting colleagues on a weekly / daily basis work opportunities are never the same. Personal roles & responsibilities what feel impactful within a organisation that is changing the way business is done feels truly meaningful.

Day one - value is the core of Unilver and feeling valued throughout my apprenticeship so far. From work carried out, sharing ideas on what I believe and just being part of a work place. I would not ask for anything more!

Well structured & well organised, from monthly calls with assessors, webinars and regular training on a range of training virtually or in person it is faultless. Exams and coursework deadlines are realistic / achievable to ensure you achieve. However regardless to all of this, people listen if you need advice or extensions they understand (within reason).

Excellent support from my training provider who are always in contact, I have a assigned tutor & assessor who are always extremely supportive on all aspects.

On both levels, colleagues all offer support and help when & where needed allowing me to fulfil my job role as well as progress fully. My line manager also ensures I am progressing correctly, on the basis of my apprenticeship qualification and work duties from having regular catch ups and knowing that when and whenever needed I have someone to talk to (if needed) + full credit to my team!!

One star I would deduct is due to it not allowing me to be fully self-funded. As I was required to re-locate, for my role in London i.e. rent / living costs; thankfully feasible thanks hugely to my parents. This was a personal choice but a chance to work for Unilever. I'd recommend future apprentices that the experience is worth much greater than the wage & if you are able to take the opportunity.

'Like water to a sponge'- opportunities are endless from wellbeing activities such as a soccer team, and local sports teams to join, to brand involvement of their purpose i.e. activities which may be work driven but are carried out on own desires. In addition to leading the apprentice channels such as social media leads / creating content and most importantly to me a social aspect of regular 'catch up’s ‘making a work and personal life balance.

Yes

Look in your cupboard, and sure you can find a Unilever product. Why this matters to me is because out of the 400 + brands owned there is a bigger picture to a company which is changing the word and the way business is done 'Making sustanable living a commonplace' just one, feels incredible that as a first job out of sixthform I can join a company doing good. Great first steps into the corporate world.

Be you, open to opportunities & who knows where you will end!