Customer Development Degree Apprentice Review

My role involves co-ordinating the training and development plan for my department. This includes scheduling training events, creating mothly learning newsletters, working with our leadership team and tracking training attendance. The role gives the opportunity to work with other people in the business and gives me exposure to new areas.

I have been able to further develop a number of skills including team-working, project-management, communication and descison-making skills. I have learnt new skills which include leadership which has been supported through driving the training plan and organising events. Another new skill I have aquired is problem-solving as there have been many opportunities where I have had to think for myself and make decisions.

So far, I am really enjoying the programme. I have been given the opportunity to take on a number of projects, been given high responsibility and my collegues trust me to make decisions. The modules I have studied so far, have allowed me to increase my understanding of businesses and I have thouroughly enjoyed reading and competing the module content.

My programme is extremly well strucured, there are weekly task to complete online and the website outlines what is expected of you each week. For each activity, there is an estimated time for completion, which means you can plan around study and work, to ensure you have time to complete each activity.

My line manager has helped support me with my programme and has provided me with feedback where necessary. I am also able to schedule meetings with my Apprenticeship Lead if there is anything I want to discuss or get support with. My collegues have also been happy to provide me with feedback for evidence as part of my module tasks.

We have quarterly face-to-face meetings with our practice tutor to discuss goals we are working towards, any challenges we are facing and provide an update on how our studies are going so far. The OU also assigns us a module tutor and if you have questions relating to your assigment, you are able to reach out to them via email.

The study modules have allowed me to learn new concepts and theories, which I have then practiced in the workplace, further supporting my development. All of the content covered is relavent and useful to develop my understanding of the business environment. I am given the opportunity to reguarly practice what I have learnt, helping me to perform better in my role.

We are encouraged to get involved with activities and networking events. I have been able to attend a few conferences which enabled me to develop my network whilst learning new tools and techniques for the future. There are also activities that are organised for our apprentices which include social events and again the chance to network.

Yes

Unilever is a great place to work and will provide you with many opportunities. As an apprentice, we are treated equally to those who are standard employees and we are given responsibilty which allows us to learn from experiences. Unilever is extremly supportive with my degree and cares about my future development.

Be your true, authentic self and ask lots of questions. If you can show that you have a positive mindset, are keen to get involved with activities or projects, and can work-well with others, then you will stand out. Showing enthusism and interest will help you to be a successful candidate.