R&D Apprentice Review

My job title is 'Research and Development Apprentice' (packaging technology). My daily tasks include: CAD modelling, meetings with suppliers, Material Testing, Rapid prototyping etc. Daily interactions - Packaging team, Supply chain team, Marketing team, suppliers (mouldmakers, prototyping firms, masterbatch firms etc). Responsibilities - Modelling and issuing 2D and 3D CAD data, qualifying mould tools, delivering innovation projects.

Yes since I started i have learnt some new skills and gained some qualifications. Ther are as follows: Qualifications - Diploma in Packaging Technology, BEng in Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Training courses - CAD training, CMM training, Rigid Plastics training, DoE training, PLM software training, etc. Personal Skills - Confidence, ability to work in a team, presenting information, etc.

Yes I enjoy my work quite well as it's interesting and the work i do can vary. The work is very interesting and engaging. I feel like I am actively contributing to the company's success. Team - Packaging team are very friendly. Nice atmosphere to work in. Company Culture - Company takes excellent care of employees. Example includes wellbeing sessions that are held regularly on site. Job turned out different from initial expectations, however this was a positive thing. The apprenticeship is very enjoyable.

Unilever makes apprentices feel like a vital part of the business. Apprentices often referred to by the leadership as the future of the company. I have been involved in a number of projects where the importance of my work was the same as a regular employee. I have been emailed internally and externally thanking me for specific work i have done for people which is always nice to get. I like getting feedback from my work too so i can develop and grow as an apprentice also.

Initial induction and introduction to the team was good. However the programme was not as structured as I had hoped (placements were often delayed due to lack of organisation within the compant etc.). This is to be expected as I was the first packaging apprentice for this site. The structure has improved over time and i would say they are definitely asking for more help onto better develop the company and apprenticeship scheme so i can't fault them on wanting advice and help.

I would say that i recevie some advice from my training provider however it is not perfect. University have been active in ensuring the apprenticeship runs smoothly from their end. Any problems I raised were quickly dealt with. Quality of tuition varies based on the lecturers, however overall pretty good. I think they could offer more support however overall i am happy with the current situation.

For this question i would have to give it an 8/10 because i think the overall help and support i receive from work is pretty good and i am well looked after. There can be some minor problems now and then but overall pretty decent. The manager and packaging team very supportive and helpful. Everyone is always willing to help me learn. HR team generally quite slow in solving issues, however issues always solved eventually.

I still live with parents so salary definitely exceeds my costs ad i do not need to pay bills and other expenses due to me living in a flat like some of the other apprentices i work with and who are in my year group. I do want to move out in a few years and i think i would definitely be set back with bills and costs and my wage may not cover everything however i can always wait till i hopefully get a full time job or raise with my work but until then i happy with what i get so far.

Would probably give this category a 7/10. There are regular team events such as training days, teambuilding days, supplier visits etc. Some opportunities to travel abroad, however this depends on what project you are working on. The apprentices occasionally go out on a weekend for a few drinks or something which is nice however i understand this is not a company event and was only organised by the apprentices.

Yes

Yes i would recommend the company to a friend because it is a massive company that has a reputation for looking after its employees and apprentices. Unilever is also one of the few companies to offer a degree apprenticeship (as of the time I applied). From looking at other previous apprenticeships they all usually only offer NVQ's and HNC's etc. so i think this is something which makes Unilever stand out.

Do your research about the company and the role you are applying for and ensure that you know what you want to get out of the apprenticeship. Make sure if you get an interview, to ask questions, act politely and formal towards the interviewers and also show your knowledge of the company as this also shows you've taken the time to do your research and put some real effort into applying.