IT Analyst Review

I am on the Higher IT Apprentiship at Unilever. I am in a team working with hardware and software and responsible for testing and monitoring systems within the Unilever estate.

I am learning new skills every day, I recently went on a course to learn ITIL foundation which was quite good and gave me a grounding in the ways of working in IT.

I really enjoy my programme and would encourge anyone to apply for it. My team are particually excellent and I get along well in the culture of Unilever.

I fell very valued within Unilever, apart from a few necissary distinctions I feel like any other employee. Internal recognition for good work is a thing, plus I'm involved with many tasks that feel like I'm an integral part of my team.

This is the only element where I feel the programme falls down slightly, the external provider of training seems to be in disarray. They don't seem to know what is going on and the initial setup was very poor. The Apprentice employment agency however is excellent and I've always had consistantly great interactions with my mentor from them and interactions with the head office. The apprentice coordinator at Unilever was recently replaced, which gave rise to a few teething problems which I'm neutral about.

Having not started 1/2 the training yet due to scheduling errors on the half of the training supplier I'd be inclined to rate this poorly. However now that the initial problems are being sorted out its improving.

My employer is excellent, a really good company to work for and gives me great support. I really think that my team support me well and are always up for showing me how to do something or teaching me when new stuff crops up.

Unlike a lot of the other apprentices I live in a house with my partner, the current salary barely covers my living costs combined with train ticket. After travel, rent, utilities and grocery costs about 3/4 of my monthly salary is gone straight away and I do not run a car.

Unilever has the most outside of work activities that I've ever experenced at any company I have worked at. They really do focus on employee welbeing and there are a lot of opportnities and events to get involved in.

Yes

Its a quality programme at a quality company. I think this apprentiship scheme will greatly improve anyone's career who does it. I can already see the improvements to myself. If you're thinking of doing IT this should be your number #1 application.

Be honest and eyecatching in your intial application. Be calm, interesting and well thought out in the telephone interview. Don't be quiet on the assesment days and talk to everyone. Don't be the person sat in the corner nervously waiting for the next formal part of the application process. Don't be afriad to interact with the people from Unilever & fellow applicants on the day. Do be friendly and willing to talk to everyone. Do listen to what they are saying! Be careful not to go into 'competition' mode to try and get a job with the other applicants in the room. Do make sure to remember names. Don't be afaid to say you don't know the answer to a question. Show your best self, but not a false self. Oh and expect a response back on the yes/no front really quicky!