Refreshment R&D Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship is in Unilever's Refreshment business, based around ice cream and tea products. I currently work in the Ice Cream global formulation team, with an emphasis on the re-development of products and improving their quality. On a daily basis the work varies greatly, from producing products to experimenting with new scientific analysis methods. There is a lot of variation throughout the week, with both practical and desk based projects.

Over the last 4 years I have gained lots of different skills. From how to operate different pieces of machinery and analytical equipment, to how to use industry specific software and how to conduct experiments in a thoughtful manner. I have also learnt lots of soft skills which will be applicable to any industry.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship, I like the variance, and the opportunities we are given to try different aspects of research and development. Every day is different, it makes every day exciting. Pressures throughout the year can vary greatly, and with university as well time management is a key skill to the apprenticeship role.

Throughout the apprenticeship we are given lots of opportunities. We are rotated around departments, allowing us to trial which areas we enjoy and which areas we would like to work in in the future. Over the 3 placements we gain lots of exposure to other roles in each department, which gives you a good insight into future possibilities. We also have opportunities given to us depending on your work ethic, and preferences within the business.

All the apprentices get a lot of support from their respective teams, and we all support each other, learning from each other and those around us. Personally, my team are really supportive and encouraging - allowing me to learn and work at the same time. They allow us to attend university when required, and we are given additional study days in exam season

My university lecturers are supportive, they understand how our apprenticeship works and allow us a degree of flexibility within our degrees to allow for our full-time roles. We have had issues with the course and the university previously, but I am personally happy with my course and looking forward to achieving my degree.

My qualification is not directly applicable to my job role, or any aspirational job role. However the skills learnt during the course are transferable skills applicable to my degree, current job role and aspirational job roles. I feel doing a degree has enabled me to be better at managing my time, increased my focus and ambition, as well as gaining the ability to study and apply myself.

Opportunities vary throughout the year, with fitness sessions running in better weather, as well as the onsite gym and outdoor gym equipment. The site is beautiful, and many people go for walks round the site. There are also lots of social events running, from social nights to trips with friends. The apprentices onsite organise socials between themselves - including trips to escape rooms and even obstacle courses.

Yes

Unilever is a very supportive environment to grow as an apprentice within. Everyone is willing to help, and support you to develop throughout the apprenticeship scheme. The opportunities to move, change and try different areas within the business are endless, and many apprentices and graduated apprentices have been given lots opportunities to travel and/or work abroad with the company.

Make sure you read the application form carefully, and apply with plenty of time before the deadline. Drive your personality through the application, Unilever is invested in its employees and although it requires entry qualifications Unilever is invested more in you than your grades. Make sure you read up on Unilever, why you want to work for them, and how you can make a positive impact on the business.