Ice Cream Formulation Technologist Review

My current role involves leading and supporting a number of ice cream cost saving projects. I experiment with alternative cost effective ingredients that reduce costs in ice cream formulations, yet maintain the quality of existing products. I spend most of my time in the pilot plant running trials and in the laboratories analysing samples.

I have learnt a number of new skills such as project management and have developed skills in working with other teams across the business. I have gained professional qualifications through internal training courses at work and will graduate from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc in Food Science and Technology this summer.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme as it is hugely varied and allows you to work across the business to gain an insight into other functions. Since joining the programme I have been able to work in both the Beverages and Ice Cream department in varies roles including product, processing and formulation development.

As an apprentice you are treated no different to a full time employee. You are seen as an integral part of the team and are entrusted with more responsibilities further into the programme. This has made me feel very valued. Everyone who works at Unilever is passionate about what they do and this is reflected in their work. My line manager is very supportive in getting the right balance of work and university.

The programme has developed over the years since more apprentices have joined. Originally the programme was designed for you to stay and develop in the same role for 5 years, however I was keen to move departments to broaden my experiences. This has been taken on board and new apprentices now have the option of being rotated so they can gain an insight into other departments.

I receive a good amount of support from my lecturers at university. They respond quickly to any emails I send them and are always available to have a chat when I’m at the site. Although we are only there once a week, we are treated like full time students and are given a student card etc. The course leader sets up regular catch up sessions with each of us to discuss progress with modules etc. There is a lot of resources available on the university webpage and the library on site which has helped me in my studies.

I receive a fair amount of support from my line manager and team members. My line manager allowed me to do my dissertation on a work project that I led. The team I work in are always there to offer me help and advice with my university work. I was able to ask people at work to proof read my university work which has helped me reflect on what I had written so I could look for ways to improve it.

The salary and package offered at Unilever is very competitive. The salary covers all my needs and I have even been able to purchase my own home closer to work. We also get the same perks as full time employees such as a bonus, private healthcare, pension etc. However the salary difference between years is not differentiated too well and could be improved.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work. On site we have a number of social activities such as football, running, rugby etc. A number of social events outside of work are organised and we have regularly team away days. There are also a number of charity events that are organised and we are encouraged to take part in.

Yes

Unilever is a great company to work for. There is so much diversity and opportunities to work across functions and sites in or outside of the UK through secondments, job swaps etc. They are doing the right thing by heavily investing in young people to sustain the future of the business. The benefits Unilever offer is exceptional and the site that we work on is well maintained and overall is a great place to work at.

Research the company’s history and the products they make, especially their sustainability living plan as this is high on Unilever’s agenda. More importantly, just be yourself! Unilever are not always looking for people with the highest qualifications, but more so people who they feel have the right attitude who would fit well in the company.