Engineering Apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

4.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Role is learning the trade of an engineer, shadowing different engineers in the workplace and completing an NVQ.

4/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Not been given much hands on experience to learn or develop, apprentices are too protected and not allowed to do a large range of tasks. Developed skills through the BTEC and NVQ external to the company

4/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

It is a different environment to what I expected and to what the actual job role on completion of the apprenticeship will be. Certain tasks and jobs I enjoy but frustrating and the lack of activities I am allowed to do.

5/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very Poorly. No really structure on a day-to-day basis. Overall communication and course very poor. Had the length of apprenticeship changed from 4 to 6 years without signing for anything or being informed until after the event. Changing course, length and provider during the apprenticeship.

1/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Support is offered when needed. I receive a high level of support from a site level from my Mentor[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions].

5/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Support can be found whenever needed, external assessor is happy to call at any point during the working day if free and will talk through any issues.

9/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It allows me to get a basic level of knowledge and understanding, which can then be applied to the different (more specific systems) in the workplace

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Had 1 networking event over the space of 3 years. Lack of social activities or sports and not even a site Christmas event.

4/10

9a. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

9b. Why?

Poor Communication and such a large company that doesn't support/look after the individual. Small fish in a big pond. I think the length of the apprenticeship is far too long and there are better routes into the industry which would give you more experience in less time.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?

Ensure that the Company is right for you as well and that they have enough support in place.