Science Manufacturing Technician Review

My day to day job is to run a production line along with a team of operators. This role involves managing the raw materials arriving and operating the machinery as well as sorting minor issues. There slightly different activities that need to be done each day to keep the line running well.

I already had much of the theory knowledge that was required for the off the job learning of the apprenticeship. I did learn practical skills to do with hydraulic and pneumatic engineering. I also learned how to use a variety of workshop machinery. None of these practical skills are anything to do with my job role but I did enjoy learning them.

I have enjoyed the atmosphere where I work. Both my manager and the people I have been working alongside have been great! However the job that I do is not very enjoyable as it is extremely repetitive and does not challenge me enough. The job is sadly not what I expected.

The program could have been structured better. The training is not well structured and it is up to the apprentice to seek out the necessary training. The collage and the employer do not seem to communicate well and could have chosen units that were more relevant to the job that I am doing.

The employer makes sure that their apprentices have enough time to complete the necessary training. I have always been able to get any information that I need. Occasionally I have been taken from my placement to cover areas that are particularly short staffed. While I do appreciate that the factory has targets to meet it can be a little disruptive to my progression.

If I need extra time to work on assignments from collage then I am allowed time to work on this during my time in the factory. This has helped me greatly and allowed me to achieve the best possible result. The collage ensures that they give us as much support as is necessary to complete my course. I also have regular progress reviews to monitor my progress.

The qualification that I have achieved has very little to do with my job role. I have done lots of work on skills that I would never use again if I am offered a job at the end of my apprenticeship. The collage does not have a clear overview of the job that I do an if they did then they may be able to select more relevant units. I was covering the same topics as the engineering apprentices despite my job being completely different.

My employer provides a free gym membership. They also sent me on an outwood bound experience course at the start of my apprenticeship which I really enjoyed. The company has a Christmas event every year for the whole factory. They also run a volunteering scheme which allows me to spend more time volunteering for the RSPCA.

Yes

There are lots of benefits to working for Unilever for example: volunteering scheme, free gym membership, share scheme, two onsite shops, great community. The main thing that I like about Unilever is there commitment to upskilling staff. I am going to apply for a higher level apprenticeship with Unilever and have no doubt that they would support me with this.

Unilever hires based on personality more than experience or qualifications. As long as you are able to show that you are reliable and dedicated then you should not find it hard to get a place in the company. After that there is always opportunities for development so it is easy to find yourself in a job you enjoy