Chartered manager apprentice Review

On a day to day I work within a data team within CD. I have been given the responsibility to lead and manage projects and help alongside major projects within the business. My team provides data insights for Unilever and products for employees to use. I do have some admin work also and everyday tasks such as meetings. I get 20% off for my university work. The uni course is enjoyable and not too difficult.

I have learned a lot more about data which I had no prior knowledge about. I have also learned project management skills and have gained the experience and qualifications to become a manager in the future.

I really enjoy the programme, and. There is opportunity to change roles within the apprenticeship. However, I wish I had been put in an alternate function or been given the option to choose as data is not my preferred choice or career path. However it has been good and the people have supported me in my role.

This programme is well organised. My line manager knew what I needed to achieve from my apprenticeship and the skills and experience I needed. It was harder to cater for as I was in a function that didn’t have many manager apprentices however I felt they made it work.

I have received a lot of support. Especially since I had no previous experience working with data I was provided with training and opportunities to learn. My only issue was that often managers were really busy and therefore struggled to always give you the information you need quickly. This was my only issue however and only because of a recent increase in their workload.

I have been given lots of support from The Open university. I often have tutorials to help me with any assessments and now have regular calls scheduled with my practice tutor. However, at the start I did not have much contact with my practice tutor and therefore struggled. But this had improved.

My qualification focuses on management and the background contexts to this. It’s gives a breadth and depth view of management and provides insights to all functions. It had helped me in tasks such as with project management. It has also helped me understand things in my workplace, such as finance (balance sheets/income statements).

There are often social connections and activities outside of work. Having joined during Covid-19 I have not been able to experience this yet. However, even during this we had numerous Christmas events and goodie bags provided from Unilever. We also have been given the chance to meet others through social events but online.

Yes

It’s is a great company that provides you with so much experience. There is always opportunity for progression and change which is why it’s perfect for apprentices. Most people I speak to want to stay in the company after their apprenticeship which I think says a lot about them.

The application process is tough so it’s important to stand out. Make sure you do thorough research for your application letter and are open minded for the assessment centre. You need to show you can work well with others and independently so make sure to try and achiever this in the assessment centre.