Engineering Apprentice Review

As an apprentice I shadow other engineers both electrical and mechanical to gain a further understanding of engineering in general. in my first year I was at college full time but now I am finishing my second year I have spent my time in multiple departments to try to gain a better understanding of the site. I am given projects to do by myself and also with the other apprentices within my team.

Yes, during my apprenticeship I initially was developing existing skills, such as learning to be more open and less shy when meeting new people. On an academic side, I have improved my electrical knowledge since school but the apprenticeship has also given me access towards mechanical engineering as well which i really enjoy.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. Unilever is a brilliant company to work for and seeing the product on the shelves in shops and thinking "I made that" is a really satisfying feeling. I can use skills I already have and also do work which is suited to me and what I like to do. I've met a lot of friendly people too which is always good in a work environment.

I feel very well valued by Unilever as Unilever has given me an insight into different job roles and opportunities I never knew existed! I’m excited for what the future holds and how far i can push myself within the engineering side of things. I would like to specialise in electrical engineering and i think the company can really help me with this too.

The apprenticeship scheme is very well organised with internal training and external training which involves me going to collage once a week. I always have jobs to do and roles to play in a team which keep me busy and enhance my learning and development in my role. I am always put into roles which go hand-in-hand with the skills i'm learning too.

I have sufficient support from my peers and managers on site and my tutors in college. Work and college also work together which is good because they both understand my needs and what to do to develop me to be the best I can be. Anything I need help with or any questions I ask are answered in depth and repeated until I am satisfied I understand.

I receive support off my employer when I approach them with a question or query. They are always there when I am in need of any advise. They ask about the work i am doing as well and occasionally we will have a formal review and go over my progress and how I want to move forward within the business.

My salary package meets my costs easily. Unilever provide there apprentices with a very good wage to live off which is a lot higher than other apprenticeship wages. I am thinking about getting my own flat this year so as my wages increase i can hopefully complete this goal of mine. I am happy with my current financial and living situation though.

Once a year Unilever apprentices are sent to an outward bounds centre for 4 days where we are given the opportunity to do activities we wouldn't usually get to do such as rock climbing, white water rafting and caving. this helps us bond as a team and get to know other apprentices form around the UK. there are also lots of other events such as a visit to a factory which builds F1 cars and awards dinners in London ect.

Yes

Yes, because of the award-winning apprenticeship scheme and knowing that they could gain high level qualifications whilst being trained on the job by experienced engineers. You can go down the path which is suited to you such as electric engineering or mechanical. If these do not interest people then there is always business management roles and apprenticeships too.

Make sure your application is well presented and at interview stage make sure you research about Unilever's history. Ensure you know the path/career route you want to take as well. Show your willingness and focus on the goal. Ensure you act as calm as possible in the interview but still show your focus and determination.