R&D Apprentice Review

Varies dependant on which department you work in, which changes each year of the scheme. I've worked on new product development, scientific research and consumer insights.

Project management, scientific research, marketing, presentation, brand development and advanced excel skills to name a few.

It depends on where your placement is, and which manager you get. The scheme is good as long as you push yourself and ask for development opporthnitues as you go (no one else will do it for you)!

Structure is ok, there is room for improvement in "apprentice support/ development" which is generally down to your local department. However, the overall structure of rotating department and studying each year is well defined.

People at Unilever are very willing to support you when you're new. You will join some great teams headed up by fantastic leaders! From a HR and wellbeing perspective Unilever is very supportive. If you ask for support it is available.

You are treated the same as every other "regular" student who completes an undergraduate degree and academics are very responsive over emails. The jump going straight into second year is manageable, but you don't recieve additional support on this. Overall, the teaching approach and respect for students could be better from certain academics, but this is only a small minority. The student support office however is great, lead by a friendly people-focused team.

Chemistry supports a role in R&D, you will see direct links when working in a discover role. Most of the time you will perform ahead of your peers at uni, due to your Unilever experience in presenting and managing tasks- rather than the other way around.

Yes, dependant on the department there will be people who get together, but nothing formal. On the site as a whole there are wellbeing activities such as walks and beach clean ups. Wellbeing sessions also crop up from time to time during working hours. There is also a gym on site... but it's very very small!

Yes

Unilever Apprenticeships provide an amazing foundation to start your career. Rotation between departments broadens your experience and allows you to get a feel for which roles and departments you really enjoy, or don't! You can find excellent support on site and come across some really incredible people. The only hiccup is you really do need to work hard to get the most out of it, otherwise you can just float through the scheme from a work perspective. But, hardworrk should be encouraged and is definately nurtured when shown by this company.

Make sure you know our brands and business principles. Sustainable living is big at Unilever, take a read of our Unilever sustainable living plan (USLP), it helped me realise it's the kind of large company I want to work for! Finally, if you get to interview, remember it's a chance to decide if the role is for you- ask the apprentices you will meet and ask questions to your interviewer.