Operator Review

As a 2nd year Manufacturing Apprentice, my day to day tasks are never normally the same. With the experience and training gained from the first year, I spend some time working with process engineers to help improve performance for production lines across the Leeds factory. This is beneficial for me as it gives me a further understanding of all the ins and outs of each machine. I can also be asked to assist on production lines as an extra operator now after completing all necessary training.

My communication skills have improved incredibly. Upon starting this apprenticeship I was very quiet and unsure when raising my own ideas to a group of people. I began by building a relationship with my trainers which gave me the necessary confidence to improve. Needless to say that my teamwork skills have dramatically improved. Before starting this apprenticeship I was fairly patient and observant, I have since improved those skills massively whilst checking for quality and machine wear whilst the line is running at high speeds.

Depending on the person you are, you may see the programme very different to somebody else. I believe that you will find more success and enjoyment of the programme if you are an outgoing person with lots of energy and enthusiasm. To begin with I was quiet with little confidence but after a while I came more out of my shell and felt more comfortable to be more outgoing. This helps build relationships with the people around you which in turn makes the programme more enjoyable. Another thing worth mentioning is your own motivation to the job, you need to be interested in this line of work. Otherwise it would be very difficult to engage in your training to learn the ins and outs of machine parts.

My programme is organised very well, the structure is fairly loose (which I mean in a good way). During my first year of this apprenticeship, my targets were very clearly laid out to me by my manager and training department... *become trained and verified as an operator*. I was free to achieve that goal with a range of options. So long as you are working to achieve your goals your hard work will be noticed by those around you. Once i became fully trained as a line operator I was then asked which area of the factory I would like to pursue training next. Once I decided, I was given similar goals again and got to work developing my skills and understandings of different roles at the factory. If i ever needed to reach out for help I would be able to find it very easily.

I got as much support as I needed to begin. You will be given plenty of support once you start the apprenticeship; your trainers/advisors will decide to increase/reduce support based on how well you can manage your workload. If you were to struggle organising your work, the training given will also help develop those skills in becoming more independent and organised.

We receive enough support to see us through our qualifications. Our tutors want to help us complete the qualification and they offer their support regularly, even when dealing with other students who may be at different levels than yourself, they are quick to adjust and get up to speed with your progress and how to help.

Some of the units/lessons needed to get the overall qualification might not be relevant to your jobs purpose whatsoever, but the tutors will attempt to make it as relevant as possible in order to make it easier to understand when teaching. The only lessons i have attended that i feel are relevant to my day to day would be Mechanical Systems, Health and Safety and Communications.

Some operators and craft play football weekly, but the day they play is on the same day I play football with my own friends so I haven't joined in yet despite the offer. One of the benefits at work is a Leeds Active Card which entitles me to free access to city council leisure centres, which I use to play squash with a friend.

Yes

First and foremost, Unilever is a massive company to work for. It is a great place to gain valuable experience from and develop in yourself as a person and as a worker. There are plenty of opportunities to expand your horizons and upskill with the upmost support of the company for you to pursue if you wish. The workplace benefits are also better than most alternative companies. Employment after completing the apprenticeship is my only cause for concern as they can never guarantee full time employment, regardless of whether you achieve all qualifications and behavioural requirements. However, with the experience you have gained with 3-5(+) years of experience working as a Unilever apprentice will be extremely valuable and make you stand out when searching for another job.

Show genuine passion for engineering and manufacturing, research Unilever and our values. Ask thought provoking questions when given an opportunity. Standing out is crucial when trying to get in to such a big company with so many applicants. Group interviews look for key traits such as: teamwork, composure, communication and speed/efficiency. Dress appropriately and arrive with time to spare before any stage of the selection process.