Formulation Chemist Review

Formulation Chemist Apprentice in Research and Development of deodorant formulations. I conduct and invent experiments involving the deo formulations. I work a lot with our American Office and work with other international offices. I'm responsible for the work on a couple of projects. I work in a mixture of the lab and office environments. I enjoy both sides, but mainly the lab side. I have many meetings throughout the week to discuss work progression and keep the overall objective of the work in sight. I am now a trainer on many things within the lab

I've learnt many new skills since working for Unilever. I've learnt many things about Good Lab Practice, how to conduct myself in meetings, How to present to a group of people. I've taken many training courses to further my knowledge which are provided by the company in abundance. I've learnt how to build and maintain professional relationships within the company and outside the company.

I enjoy my programme a lot. I enjoy most aspects of the job. I particularly enjoy meeting so many different people. It's a multinational company, so there are lots of people from completely different cultures - it's fascinating to learn about all the different countries, even within Unilever walls! It's met my expectations and exceeded them I think. When starting work here at 18 years old, I have certainly grown in the past 4 years, and I think that is mainly due to my work environment and how much I have been pushed and stretched (comfortably and uncomfortably at times...!)

I feel very valued at Unilever. I don't ever feel like I've been treated like an "apprentice". I've always been treated like a normal, full-time employee. My manager allows me room to stretch and have new and further responsibilities which is amazing for my development.

I think the induction was a little slow, but due to the fact apprentices aren't hired often within the Leeds site, it was still very good and thorough. The support is fantastic here, from managers to colleagues. My study has been very well supported. I'm given 1 day per week during work time to study - this is fantastic as it means I don't have to take as much out of my own time to study. Within the company, there have been a lot of restructures, but this has been handled well in my opinion.

I think there could be more support from the university... However, I think it's been run quite successfully. There have been a few communication problems, but these have been resolved quickly when addressed. During visits to the university, there has been fantastic support from some tutors in particular who have been running the course the longest. I have enjoyed this course quite a lot, I have made good friends with other students on the course, and course content has been stimulating.

Support from Unilever on studying has been incredible. I'm given 1 day per week of work time to study. If I have questions about my course that I don't understand, I'm surrounded by chemists who are willing to help if I ask. I have experienced some stressful times when approaching exams/submission deadlines. I have received good support from Unilever, allowing me to reshuffle some work to be able to cope with the stress.

I think my salary is brilliant considering I'm an apprentice. It started lower and has increased with every year completed successfully. I now live quite far out (about 30 miles away) as my husband started a new job and my wage covers our expenses comfortably with extra on the side!

There are multiple opportunities outside of work. There were a few company events with the annual Christmas event included. There is a volunteering scheme at Unilever that gives you two extra days off if they're for volunteering (plus extra days within the scheme). When not working, I'm a very active person, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Running, Exploring... ETC... The area in which Unilever are situated and where I live, there are MANY opportunities for outdoor activities.

Yes

It's a great place to work. There are loads of opportunities that are there to capitalise on. It is a very friendly environment based around wellbeing and healthy work-life balance. Unilever are quite a caring company, especially when it comes to health. You can make some great friends and it's a very varied work force, from students to almost retired... There are a lot of opinions and people to learn from.

Be yourself in the application and interview. Unilever value personality and interesting people to work for them. They believe that working in a diverse and varied community, the most productive and thought provoking work will get done. Grades aren't as big a deal as personality here. You need to be open to opportunities and pounce on them when you get the chance. Be eager and you'll do well :)