Fabric Solutions CMI Apprentice Review

Within my role, I provide the marketing/brand team with consumer market insights to ensure that the consumer is at the forefront of all their innovation efforts and therefore meets consumer needs. This involves my using quantitative and qualitative market research methodologies on an ad-hoc and continuous basis. This also involves me commissioning and business partnering with external agency to carry out some of these projects.

I have definitely inherited a new set of specialist skills that I did not previously have at my disposal, mainly centered around market research methodologies. Working within this role has also given me the ability to decode and interpret data in a way that was previously intangible i.e. the ability to condense copious amounts of data into one succinct insight.

I very much enjoy the majority of my programme however, as I am in the unique situation of being a more mature apprentice (being that I am 25 and have already obtained an English Literature degree at university), I do tend to enjoy the on the job training a lot more than the off the job training. Although the coursework and material provided is very useful in helping me develop my business acumen and knowledge, there are assignments that do tend to feel a bit redundant/mundane at times.

My programme is really well structured. assignments are set frequently to which my tutor provides me with insightful and constructive feedback to help me achieve the best possible grade for every piece of coursework I submit. We are also have a designated amount of off-the-job hours in which we can use to complete our coursework (mine being every Friday). My Tutor also did a great job of explaining the course structure and ways of working to my manager, which ensures that me and my manager are always on the same page concerning workload.

My employer is amazing, not because of the fact that they understand that I am an apprentice, so therefore I may need extra support than the regular employee but, due to the fact that they understand my goals and therefore tailor my work plan so that I can achieve these goals. I am not treated like a team assistant and assigned the administrative work that nobody else can be bothered to do. I am given real responsibility and have had the opportunity to lead various projects that have genuinely and positively impacted the business on a macro level.

I receive a lot of support from my tutor/training provider. If I ever find myself straying off-track or falling behind in my studies, they are always there to get me back on track by devising a realistic and achievable action plan in order for me to do so. The only critique I have with my training provider is that at times, I feel as though they are not aligned with my purpose for being on the apprenticeship in the very first place- which is to secure a permanent job within the company. At times I feel like my ability to flourish and cease opportunities within the company is stifled by my obligations to my apprenticeship. which can be frustrating. Apart from that, I have no qualms with my training provider or tutor.

I feel like my qualification provides me with better soft skills that I can enlist within business situations within my job. I also think that because a lot of my coursework is based on knowledge that I have gained from during my on-the-job hours, which I then have to regurgitate and apply to my coursework helps me to consolidate this knowledge within my memory.

There are a multitude of extra-curricular activities within my workplace that I can and do occasionally participate in i.e. team building trips after work, team days out, litter picking, on-site gym and gym/fitness classes. There are also various group chats that I am apart of which allow me to interact with more senior members of staff on a more informal level.

Yes

Despite the varying reputations that the company may get due to the impact it's products have on the environment, Unilever is a company that recognises and takes accountability for its mistakes and is devoted to making active and practical changes to rectify these mistakes. These forward thinking business practices also trickle down to employee management and the overall culture of the business. It's a company in which you truly do get out what you put in and in the rare instance that you're not being recognised and rewarded for your hard work, the company's agile way of working and flexible structure means that you can always choose to work on another project or apply to work for another team/brand altogether! Would highly recommend.

It may sound like a cliche, but you have to be yourself throughout the process. They company understands that an apprentice applying for the role does not posses a backlog of experience, so they want to see your personality and they way you think. Saying this, you do need to have somewhat of a natural inclination and aptitude for business, no matter what department you apply for.