Modelling and Informatics Apprentice Review

My role is a Modelling and Informatics apprenticeship in Unilever's Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre. I am entirely office based and will rotate around the different teams within the department every 6 months. So far I have been involved in communicating better ways of collaborating with team members to the department and I'm currently working on a recommendation for which data analysis method should be implemented in a new tool.

Since joining the company I have had many opportunities to learn new things. I'm studying for a Data Science degree, I have attended many workshops and I have completed various online training courses. I can honestly say that in my time with the company I have learnt things that I wouldn't have even looked at during school. There is a strong focus from the people around you that want you to progress and develop as a person.

I enjoy my job and working with the people around me, however I am looking forward to moving to some of the other teams which I feel I will be better suited to. The work environment is positive and relaxed. Some of the work I have been involved in is not quite what I expected, but I'm confident I will get involved in various projects throughout the rotations.

I feel valued by my line manager and surrounding team. In meetings your contribution is appreciated and you know the work you are doing matters. You are surrounded by experts in their field who are more than happy to take time out of their work to help you, which makes a big difference. Regular meetings with my line manager and team buddy are there to make sure that things at both work and university are going okay.

The induction process was very smooth and I settled in very quickly. I think the programme is fairly well organised, I know that there is a clear plan for the apprenticeship programme. However, the work within teams can change quickly, and with that the goal you are working towards can be changed, however that is the nature of the business. There were some small issues at the start with the university however these have been ironed out over time.

I'm studying part time at the University of Bedfordshire, attending university once a week. I've found it to be frustratingly slow at times and I do not feel that I am being challenged, which can be expected since it is first year. However the lecturers are generally helpful and are good at replying to emails, and it was nice of the Course Leader and another member of staff to come in to visit and have a meeting to discuss the plan for the course.

I cannot fault the support from Unilever. My manager and other people around the department will make time for you, and I genuinely believe that people want you to do well. My manager takes an interest in what's going on at university and I'm given time at work to work on assignments. For some of the work I am doing I've found it hard to come across resources online, but the experts put time aside to help you.

I think the salary from Unilever is very competitive and higher than many other schemes I could find. Considering your course fees, travel and any other associated university costs are covered, the company invests a lot of money in each apprentice. There is also an annual bonus scheme based on performance.

Unilever supports you to do charity/voluntary work, and the apprentice community has hosted fundraisers. In my time there I have visited many schools, including my old school, to promote apprenticeships and careers in Maths. There are also many social opportunities on site, including a gym, many sports clubs and other things that are not sport related.

Yes

At Unilever there is a positive atmosphere, the support network is amazing and there are fantastic opportunities available to you. There is a focus on your personal development, whilst working for a company that is trying to make a positive impact.

Take the time to learn about the company and take the whole application process in your stride. On the assessment day be yourself and enjoy the day, use it as a way of getting a feel for the company. There will be many opportunities for you, be prepared to take them!