Research & Development Apprentice Review

I am currently in the second year of my placement in the Global Ice Cream and Tea Packaging Team. In September I will move to another department in R&D as part of the rotations and I'm looking forward to get involved in something new. I think it's really good that this rotation opportunity is in place- while you may not become a specialist, you get a good broad overall knowledge and can better decide what you'd like to go into after you graduate. Currently my role is mainly around capability- I am the room keeper for the packaging lab, and superuser for many testing and prototyping machines so regularly train people on them and ensure the machines are kept in working order. I have also done work on developing test methods and supporting projects with testing in the lab. I have recently also taken on my own innovation project, which is a big challenge but I am learning a lot in terms of what all the different functions (marketing, consumer insights etc.) do and how we all work together to result in a successful project outcome.

My confidence, organisational skills and lab skills have been pushed and grown since working here. I have also learned new skills from statistical analysis to computer aided design (CAD) to properly tasting tea when helping out the product teams! There are lots of training opportunities available, either online trainings or in person workshops. I also had the opportunity to attend a training course for a measurement machine at a supplier's site, where I gained a Level 2 City & Guilds qualification.

My day to day job is usually enjoyable, if occasionally a bit stressful and busy. However I look forward to going to work every day due to the wonderful people here and the company culture - my team are always happy to help and friendly. There is a growing apprentice community and we often have apprentice breakfasts and social events. The culture here is very relaxed, there's lots of clubs and sporting activities to get involved with . I also enjoy going to university one day a week - it breaks up the week a bit, the content is interesting and being in London there is lots to do at lunch time or after uni.

Apprentices here at Colworth are usually treated just the same as normal employees, with the same benefits, responsibilities, and opportunites for progression, which does make you feel valued. My manager is very supportive and my team also appreciate my contribution. Only rarely will someone diminish your opinion or ideas because you are an apprentice and inexperienced, but it does happen. The apprentices are a noticed group on site and often get recognition for graduations, competition achievements and personal achievements in regular 'town halls'. Externally however, some of the apprentices including myself cannot partake in things like the 'national apprenticeship awards' due to not being officially recognised as apprentices but sponsored degree students instead as our training providers aren't accredited apprentice trainers.

There is quite a lot of ambiguity surrounding my program. I have no idea where my next placement will be yet and don't know how the final years of my university course will work as we are meant to be completing 6 years of work (part time BSc) in 5 years. Within my placement my role is clear and I have regular meetings with my manager and a plan of progression, but the overall apprenticeship is not as organised.

My university is London Metropolitan University and I am studying Chemistry. The uni is not the best, but the course lecturers make up for this by being very supportive, always on hand to help and replying to emails in lightning speed. They understand the difficulties we may face compared to full time students and accommodate for this.

Apprentices have a buddy, line manager and mentor if they wish, so there is a strong support network in place. The other apprentices are also great to talk to if you're struggling as they may have been in a similar placement facing similar issues before. Most people are happy to help with anything. We also get a day off for study leave before exams - they want us to do well.

The salary is very good for an apprentice and increases every year subject to performance. I moved away from home for my apprenticeship, so may not have as much disposable income as some of the local apprentices, but still easily cover my rent, bills and other living costs while managing to save a little bit. Regarding university, all expenses for travelling there, parking, lunch and text books are covered by Unilever which helps a lot.

There always is lots going on on site. For example, people play football, squash, tennis and attend fitness classes on the sports field. The site's in a lovely countryside location for lunchtime walks/runs. There is a choir, a amateur dramatics society, an archaeological society and lots more. There is also an on site gym. Christmas is a highlight of the year where there is a pantomime and the Christmas party which is always great fun. Unilever offers a number of volunteering days a year and there are regular fundraising events taking place.

Yes

It's a great place to kick start your career and work with lots of people who are experts in their field and happy to share their knowledge. The apprenticeship scheme means you won't get in lots of debt and gain hoards of work experience instead. It's a fairly relaxed place to work, you can leave a bit early on Fridays for example as long as you get what you need to get done done! Also as mentioned earlier, there's a lot of extra stuff on site to get involved with.

The application process involves sending in your CV and cover letter, then a video interview which is the worst bit as you just have to talk to a camera, then at the assessment centre you realise how friendly everyone is and that they're not trying to catch you out! My tip would be ask lots of questions and make sure the programme is right for you - be the interviewer as well as the interviewee. The assessment centre involves a group exercise, an interview and a presentation. Be confident as you have nothing to lose only lots to gain! Starting the job on your first day is scary but everyone around and your assigned buddy will help you settle in quickly.