Design Strategist Apprentice Review

conducting space utilisation studies to improve employee experience as the data provided gives scope and opportunity to follow out process for a whole project. my team, design experience and project team, conduct global workplace design projects using different tools and expertise to improve overall employee experience for unilever workers. This is different as it isn't a profit seeking sector

have required several IT skills, working with so many more platforms than was previously aware of: skype, msTeams, Yammer, outlook, Word, InDesign, Powerpoint, Vantage Space, Kanban.... Also my knowledge on dealing with externals and sensitive information has improved, am now more aware of the importance of confidentiality when dealing with competing suppliers

I find the business admin level 3 qualification interesting and the work isn't hard, however, the provider, BPP are not helpful nor supportive. There was no indication on how to complete the work and upload it in the correct way. Also feedback is supposed to be given within 7-10 working days, I have had to wait almost 2 months each time!

unilever's apprentice scheme is great, I have been allocated a mentor and also the support from the apprenticeship agency, AEA is great, regular meetings with another mentor/coach, checks up on what work we are doing and gives good advice on how to keep progressing in your role too. the training provider let down the organised side of this programme, unfortunately

a great deal of support is provided, I have met other apprentices in my building through socials and so it is always great to catch up with them as they are further along in their programmes, have great advice and tips for dealing with situations and are helpful as they have developed more professionalism. Less daunting than approaching line manager in certain cases

barely any, I have meetings scheduled with my BPP coach, he usually cancels. I do not feel supported, I can email and have to wait a long time for a response and when I get a reply it is usually vague and passed onto someone else. They do not commit to improving my course or work I feel

it has taught me most importantly about project management and techniques, skills to use when approaching projects, short and long term. This is essential in my team and I now feel more confident in my delivery of projects. Secondly, my team work a lot with externals and so the stakeholder management section has been good

no not really. we can help out at apprenticeship events and open evenings, helping to promote the schemes but in terms or social life it is limited. we have to arrange our own apprentice drinks or socials as they don't set any of this up for us which could be improved

Yes

it is a great company to work for and get involved in. the benefits are great and the chance to network at the beginning of your career is essential too. I feel that they are a fab company to work for, not sure id take the apprenticeship route though to enter the company. the grad or new scheme offer more opportunity to learn about other teams too

be yourself. it was obvious on the assessment day that they want people to have their own personalities and interests. trying to conform and acting to what you think they would like probably will not get you the job. try and be relaxed and keep an open mind to any opportunity they give you.