Modelling and Informatics Apprentice Review

I am a Modelling and Informatics Apprentice in Unilever's Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC). My role is entirely desk based working on a computer. My role involves tasks such as developing tools and data visualisations which are built into our new systems or used by some of our scientists to analyse the data they have available to them. I have been fortunate this year in that I have had the opportunity to learn about a specific computing topic, put together my own training material and deliver training sessions to a team of about 20 people.

As part of my apprenticeship I am studying for a degree in Information and Data Systems part time through the University of Bedfordshire, which has provided me with a background in some popular programming languages and important techniques, such as working with databases and networking. Internally, I have been able to develop some industry related skills through working with specialist software and real-life data, whilst also having support from other members of the team to learn new things. The opportunity to prepare and deliver my own training has not only developed my skills in that area, but it has also given me the platform to develop my communication and presentation skills which will certainly come in handy for the future.

I find my role rewarding and I enjoy a lot of the work I am involved in. The culture is relaxed, my office is a comfortable environment to work in and I enjoy working with my team. Through rotations around SEAC every 6 months, I have been able to work with a number of different people. The programme does require dedication and hard work, there are times when you have to be disciplined and do university work in the evenings, however like most things, the more you put in the more you will get out. Some aspects of my role have surprised me and are different to what I expected them to be, but the programme I am on has the rotations around the department that I mentioned above which means I will get to see a lot of what goes on in SEAC.

I definitely feel valued by Unilever through my line manager and surrounding staff. I have been given a lot of responsibility through projects such as delivering training to a group of people, which demonstrates that the people around me have trust and belief in me. My input into meetings is welcomed and I feel that my contributions are heard and valued. The experts around me are more than happy to help where they can and I feel that people do want to include you where possible. I think that hard work is definitely recognised and you will be rewarded.

My apprenticeship is the first time that this programme has been run. Some of the other apprenticeships on site have been through many cycles and so the programme is well defined, whereas my programme is being figured out as we work through. For me, I have found that the structure works well. The rotations between teams within SEAC are quite loose and do not occur on a fixed date, which works well in letting different projects overlap – so as one project winds down another can be taken on. Even though there isn’t a strict fixed structure, this is not an issue as it gives me the flexibility to shape my apprenticeship in the way that interests me whilst also getting an experience of many different areas. I would say my work plan is flexible and certain projects will take priority over others depending on what is needed at that time. On the university side of things, I would say that the course is very unorganised. I often don’t know which day I will be attending until the week before term starts or the first week of term, which does not help when trying to plan meetings or schedule my work for the weeks ahead.

I do not feel that the University of Bedfordshire is up to the standards I would expect. The lack of organisation and difficulty in accommodating for part time students on the course is surprising given that they offered it as a part time course. The course leader and some of the lecturers are very approachable, and genuinely take an interest in how you are doing, however there are some lecturers who are very disconnected from their students. The quality of teaching depends massively on the lecturer and I do not feel that they are really pushing you to get the top grades.

The support I receive from Unilever is fantastic. I have weekly catch ups with my line manager to check on my progress and workload. I feel comfortable in asking questions when needed and I know that my manager and the people I am working with will make time for me. I have flagged the issues with university to my line manager and I know they are trying their best to resolve them by contacting the university. It is also worth mentioning that my line manager takes an interest in what is going on at university and will give me the time and space needed to meet my deadlines where necessary.

The apprenticeship package offered by Unilever is excellent. My salary is very competitive and the investment as a whole in university (which includes course fees, text books, travel and even food whilst I’m there) means that my further education comes at no cost to me. On top of your salary there is an annual pay review and performance related bonus scheme. The investment into each apprentice is huge.

I am based at the Colworth R&D site which is in Bedfordshire. The site is set in the countryside which means there is plenty of space for sports facilities such as a gym, football pitch and many other facilities (some of these you do have to pay a small cost to use). There are many sports clubs and other things which happen around site which can keep you busy during lunch or after work. There are volunteering opportunities and the apprentice community on site has hosted fundraising events in the past, with plans to do more in the future. There is also the opportunity to promote Unilever apprenticeships and science careers at the local careers fairs.

Yes

The work at Unilever is about making a positive impact. The workplace is a great place to work and support is always available. With a company so large there are many opportunities around you.

The interview process will be challenging at it is probably the first ‘proper’ job application you will have had to go through. Try to take this in your stride and not be daunted by it; you should use the application as a way of learning about the company.