Fabric Solutions CMI Apprentice Review

On a day-to-day basis, my job role involves me providing marketing teams within Fabric Solutions with consumer market insights concerning potential products and marketing. We support fabric solution brands along throughout the innovation and product launch process, selecting appropriate market research methodologies and contracting the relevant agencies that are capable of fulfilling these briefs.

I have greatly developed my business partnering skills and presentation skills. I have also grown in confidence regarding speaking to large crowds/audiences, as a lot of meetings take place with multiple attendees. I am now also more proficient with the office package, as I have to utilise them on a daily basis.

I enjoy the programme a lot despite the steep learning curve. I enjoy the lack of a clear sense of hierarchy throughout the company and it's agile culture. I also enjoy the fact that I am working within the global office meaning that I get to business partner with other Unilever employees from around the world and experience various cultural nuisances.

My programme is pretty well structured and organised. I am given one day a week to dedicate to my course and my course provider are frequently in contact to make things clear and provide good support. The workload is realistic and I am able to juggle work and my coursework on a weekly basis.

I receive a LOT of support from my employer. More than I expected from a company of this volume and working in a fast moving global office. My manager is always available to contact and is easing me into projects as my confidence, knowledge and skills improve. I also receive a lot of support from my other colleagues as there are other apprentices I work closely with and are happy to answer any questions I have.

I receive a lot of support from my provider. If I have any queries concerning my course they get back to me within 24 hours (however, it is normally 1-2 hours). I also have a handler that I meet with monthly that I can confide in if I have any issues I am uncomfortable about speaking with my manager.

As it is still early within my course, I cannot really comment on how the course has aided me within my role however, I look forward to the excel and PowerPoint module within my course and implementing that skillsets within my role as these are programs that used on a daily basis within my role.

Yes there are. We have an on-site gym and there are various socials and workshops constantly happening throughout the company on a frequent basis. It is also easy to organise your own extra curricular activities and it is encouraged throughout the company. Skype, outlook and our internal social media platform Yammer makes this easy to organise.

Yes

Due to the agile culture of the company, I believe for such a large and well established company they are conforming and catering to the needs of millennials and gen-z workers. The global nature also provides an array of skills/experience concerning various market types and the companies reputation bodes well for employees cv's. Additionally, although there is obviously management and structure in place, there is no clear sense of hierarchy within the office due to the 'hot desk' culture and also the casual dress code that is implemented throughout the company.

I would advise applicants to be themselves throughout the recruitment process as the company is not looking for robotic/traditional employees. They want creative people that challenge societal norms to give them an edge in the market, but also practise purpose driven business for the good of society and their consumers. I would recommend heavily researching Unilever's new 'Purpose-led, Future-fit Compass' and assessing whether or not the company's new direction suits your career aspirations and working style.