Geography IT Device, Peripherals and Site Lead Review

I am the Device, Peripherals and Site Lead within the Geography IT UKI team. This means that I manage all device's in the UK and Ireland, and am 1 of 2 main contacts for our sites (factories, distribution centres, offices) for UK and Ireland. On a day to day basis I have set tasks which I need to complete (maintenance), ongoing projects to work on and responding to LOTS of emails asking for my knowledge or help.

I have learnt many skills in the 4 months I have been with Unilever. I have learnt how to effectively work within a team, how to communicate to internal and external employee's, how to effectively manage my work. Along side this I have developed my skills in Office programs, whilst learning new skills in Data Analysis.

I thoroughly enjoy this program. My on the job training keeps me busy and allows me to show off my skills. I can always expand my work into other areas by taking on new projects. My team and manager are really supportive, but treat me the same as other team members. The university side is great, I get 20% off the job to complete my studies. The assignments challenge my skills and give great feedback to allow me to correct myself.

My program is very organised. I can see ALL that I will be learning in a module from the start. All the studying is allocated in a weekly set of work, meaning I never have to study outside of my 20% allocated but also am never short of work. It is perfectly balanced.

My host employed, Unilever, give me lots of support from my team and manager. But also from the apprenticeship teams. My employer, Apprentice Employment Agency, give lots of support too. They complete checkups every few months to ensure there is no issues and are always making sure I am being treated fair.

The support is great. I have many ways to contact my tutor and other tutors if I require help. The tutors also host tutorials to support my studies, which can be accessed afterwards as well, so you never miss it. My training provider also provides methods in which I can talk to other students, which I think helps a great deal.

My qualification is PERFECT for my role. The degree i am working towards focuses on many aspects of IT, which my role also does. The geography IT team covers all IT within Unilever, meaning the studies I am completing really do apply to the work I am doing. This really allows me to stay 1 step ahead in my role, but also gives me real life scenarios that I can demonstrate my studies and qualification.

There are lots of extra curricular activities offered within my work. There are many apprentice run "get togethers "which allow me to socialise with people going through the same thing I am. All voluntary activities are offered to all employee's and are really good fun. There is always a Christmas party, which is especially fun ;)

Yes

The company has such a great culture and employs really genuine people. You could be walking down a corridor and guarantee you are bound to get a "Hello" from most people you see. The environment is hardworking, but fun. They are a great company which makes you feel at ease when you work

Be yourself. The people they are looking for are the ones who are able to speak their mind and are not afraid to do so. They can see through you if you put up an act, dont do it! Show them what you have and can offer, you are going to succeed.