HR Expertise Review

I work in a HR Expertise working in the talent and learning team. On a day to day basis, I analyse data to review for our next recruiting season for interns and Grads. Also I am working with the on boarding visiting and co-ordination the hotel for our IPSP event in June and also preparing for the UFLP's to join in September. Moving to the learning side I am currently organising the roll out of "purpose" workshops across the whole of UK and Ireland along with creating something called the learning month for the UK and Ireland as well.

Being in an office environment for the first time, I have vastly developed both my written and oral communication skills as well as my general professionalism. I have developed my IT skills and ability to use programmes such as Microsoft and Outlook. Due to the nature of my role, I often have to give presentations in front of large groups so therefore I have also developed my confidence and presentation skills.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship so far. Unilever is an amazing company to work for and have gone above and beyond. Everyone in the office is willing to help with anything you need and it is very easy to network with new people. The apprentices are very social and I have made a new friendship group whilst working at Unilever.

From day one, I was given real responsibility and was not just simply 'shadowing' someone. This has allowed me to feel valued and as I run my own projects and have real responsibility, I am treated just like any other member of staff. I often give advice and guide employees and feel that my opinion and ideas matter.

Overall, it is a very well organised programme. There is a really strong induction programme and I felt well supported when I joined. Apart from some IT glitches at the beginning, it was very smooth when I joined. I have my own set goals that I work towards, giving structure to my day, and I have weekly one on ones with my line manager to track my progress.

I am in contact with my training provider on a weekly basis, and I have frequent one to ones to track my progress. The training provider keeps me aware of coursework dates and scheduling. My advisor is very friendly and I feel that I can open up if I have any problems. Overall, I feel very well supported by my training provider.

I feel extremely well supported by Unilever. I have a weekly one to one with my line manager, who is support and engaging. As well as this, I have bi weekly team meetings and I use this as an opportunity to seek support from colleagues or share any concerns. If I do share concerns, my team is very quick to support me to find a solution. Also, I have a good support system in place with the other apprentices at Unilever, who I can also turn to.

The salary is good in comparison to other apprenticeships however, it is still not a lot of money. You would not be able to survive on this salary if you had to pay rent. For the area (just outside of London), it is low in comparison to other jobs. If you need to travel to other offices, this money can be reimbursed. There is a free shuttle bus from the train to the office which saves money.

At Unilever, there are so many opportunities outside of work. Activities range from free gym classes, yoga, sports teams, self defence classes, bands and choirs. Also, it is really easy to get involved with volunteering opportunities. This can be helped at a local food bank or volunteering at a local school.

Yes

The apprenticeship programme at Unilever is amazing and I could not recommend it enough. I have learnt so much since joining and I feel that I am really forging a career for myself here. The atmosphere in the office is really friendly and everyone is willing to help you succeed. There are lots of great benefits such as flexible working, working from home and free gym membership at some locations. There is a great social element with the other apprentices and I feel I have made friends for life.

The application process is quite straightforward, most of it being online. This is followed by a telephone interview and assessment centre. The most important thing is to research the company and know why you want to work at Unilever. Being passionate is really important. Just be yourself and let your personality shine through as they want people who will fit into Unilever's relaxed and friendly atmosphere.