Packaging Development Apprentice (Mechanical Engineering) Review

My Role is a Packaging Development Apprentice, currently studying a Mechanical Engineering BEng Degree. My Daily tasks include managing my own time, e-mails and workload, running trials, conducting measurement and functional tests, working with suppliers on development projects and delivering cost improvements.

Through this apprenticeship I have developed my core engineering skill by completing a Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have also developed my skill internally on courses that have improved my Statistical methods skill. Furthermore I have also developed my professional skills at work, through working with suppliers where required.

As a whole I would say that I enjoy this apprenticeship scheme, I have made good contacts at work and am part of a great team. The company culture is good and promotes a healthy Work-Life Balance which is definitely a benefit of working for Unilever.

On a local level I feel valued by my manager and through the project teams that I work on, which has helped me to feel like I am part of the team.

At the start of the scheme your time is structured to complete inductions and relevant training, however this does back off and allows more freedom in your programme as you gain more confidence. This leads you to working on Live Projects as you are required, throughout which there is always plenty of support when you need it. However the university side of the course has lacked structure and could be improved, however my Manager and colleagues have always offered support where they can.

The Training provided for our course is, The University of Hull. Unfortunately the organisation and support structure for the academic side of the course has been lacking and could do with improving. There have been some irrelevant lectures and poor timing when responding to emails.

In my workplace the support comes mainly from my colleagues and Line Manager. I have felt that wherever they can help out with my studies or with any project work they have always been willing to help.

The salary package is good for a school leaver and the travel costs to university are covered. However it is a struggle trying to get your own place on this wage, which has led to me taking on a second job.

There are always plenty of opportunities outside of work with Unilever. There are company activities throughout the year to keep team morale high, we all get gym passes for local gyms and Unilever actively supports voluntary work, allowing people to take time off to volunteer if they would like to.

Yes

Overall they are a good company who looks after is people and actively supports people development and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

When in interview I would say to be yourself, Unilever seems very keen on getting the right people for the right jobs and want to make sure that the role is right for you.