Packaging Technologist Review

Packaging functional testing, 3D computer aided design, attending packaging moulding trials, delivering packaging projects from concept through to market launch and beyond, qualification of different packaging materials, engagement with internal and external partners and stakeholders, including convertors, recyclers, mouldmakers, resin manufacturers and other Unilever business functions such as marketing, supply chain, legal and R&D

Yes many new skills have been learnt as well as existing skills refined and sharpened. Broader skills include: Stakeholder management, communication, business acumen, teamwork, prioritization etc. Role specific skills include: 3D CAD design, adobe creative suite (photoshop, illustrator etc.), specialist packaging development skills, technical packaging knowledge, operation of packaging testing equipment etc.

To a large extent. Unilever is a fantastic place to do your professional training. The culture in the company is unlike any other. It's a company where its people and the planet come first. It has a strong learning culture in which all employees are encouraged to continuously improve.

I was one of the first apprentices on this particular apprenticeship, so there was certainly a learning curve for my team just as big as my own. The first few months were a little unorganised and I found that workload was very low. However this improved in subsequent months and years of the course.

We were given exam and study leave and were also able to study using any downtime we had during the workday. However because the degree I studied was in a slightly different field to the actual apprenticeship, academic support from colleagues was understandably quite limited. Not a big issue overall though.

Mixed experiences with the University overall. Some modules were extremely well run and support was prompt and effective. Other modules however fell short, as the quality of support and tuition was not up to scratch. These concerns were frequently voiced back to the uni and some small improvements were made.

My degree has certainly elped me to cultivate a strong engineering mindset that can be applied in my day to day job. Modules that were tailored towards material science and processing were particularly relevant, however even the less relevant modules provided a breadth of knowledge that may come in useful in future.

Yes. My team frequently hosted social and sporting activities both inside and outside of the office. Social interaction and networking is highly encouraged and many opportunities were presented to me during my time as an apprentice. Events included running clubs, team meals and drinks, team Tough Mudder events and others.

Yes

The culture is the big one here. My personal and professional development would not have been possible without the positive culture and supportive network around me during my training. I would highly recommend Unilever degree apprenticeships to any A-level students who are looking for other opportunities outside of full time university tuition.

Think about your purpose - i.e. what drives you to get out of bed in the morning. Unilever is a company that strives to make positive change. For both the health of the planet and it's people. If you want to be part of a company that does business sustainably, then consider a career in Unilever. Also, do your research.