Research and Development Degree Apprentice Review

I am currently in the digital and data R&D team and my role is mainly to manipulate data and create visualisations to aid other teams in answering a variety of queries they may have. My work includes handling large amounts of data taken from the internal specification pool and using Power BI to help tell a story with it.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have learnt lots of new skills. Some skills are specific to the company, such as learning to use the internal specification pool and how to make ice cream in a pilot plant. But I have also developed many other skills, such as presentation and teamwork skills, as well as learning how to write scientific reports and how to organise my time to complete both university and work projects.

I really enjoy my programme! On my scheme I have had the opportunity to complete many different rotations and so I have really had a chance to see what sort of roles I enjoy the most. I also really love being able to study part time and enjoy university a lot.

The scheme is very well structured. We have an apprentice co-ordinator who sorts out all of the apprentice rotations. During the first few weeks, an apprentice induction is carried out with introduction sessions to make sure all essential information is provided. The time allocated for university is known to us before the start of each academic year.

I receive a lot of support. At Unilever we have an internal E-Learning platform which gives us the opportunity to upskill and develop. For our last few rotations we are able to discuss our preferences with our apprentice co-ordinator to ensure it matches with our desired career path. Our company also makes sure that we have enough time dedicated to our degree.

London Metropolitan offers a lot of support. All lectures are recorded and so we can go back and re-watch if we are still unsure. Our lecturers always have a short response time if we email with any questions or problems. They understand that we are part-time students and so allow for us to complete our dissertation work any time throughout the course.

I am currently completing a chemistry degree and have a role in data. Although my degree isn't directly helping my role, many skills I have acquired from the degree can be used in my job. For instance, I have had to use communication and presentation skills in my role, something that university has helped me to develop. My previous roles in the scheme were more closely related to chemistry.

Colworth has many extra curricular activities. There is a rugby pitch, trim trail, gym, squash court, croquet pitch and many more! We have a club house just off of site which many people go to over lunch. We also have groups for choir, netball, pilates etc. There's something for everyone

Yes

Unilever is a company that does good. We have a great community at work and some of my closest friend are my colleagues. The rotations on the scheme allow for apprentices to be a part of many different teams and have lots of different roles and responsibilities. There are also lots of progression opportunities and many ways to upskill and develop.

Make sure you research the company. Be passionate and excited - it's a great company so make sure you know why you want to join. There are lots of different schemes available within the company so choose the one that is best suited for you. Try to be yourself. Good luck!