Laboratory Science Degree Apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

As a Lab science apprentice in the global TRESemme formulations team, I formulate shampoo for my project and I am also involved in testing competitor products. This means I spend 2/3 days a week in the lab (making shampoo for tests, like changing levels of a new ingredient to see how it affects the shampoo) and the other days either at home for my study day or collating data and joining meetings.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Even though I have only been on this apprenticeship for a few months, I have already learned lots! Working within a team trying to launch a new product and being involved in schools outreach means I have really improved my communication and teamwork skills as well as my presenting confidence. I have also learned lots of scientific skills about formulating shampoo and the tests we need to do to be able to make claims customers will appreciate.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am really enjoying my program. Of course there are stressful times but when I help the team or my work and the skills I gain are recognised, it feels really good. Everyone has been really happy to help and very supportive which has made my days and overall experience very positive!

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I have one study day and spend the rest of the week at work. My University work is very clearly set out at the beginning of every week and my line manager has set out a clear plan of what I need to gain during this rotation which I work on with the formulation team in the lab. I have just started to go into the lab regularly so the structure has really improved rather than doing things when and where I am asked to.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

My line manager is very accommodating when I have a University assignment/ exam coming up, she is happy to let my focus on them. I also get access to employee benefits such as mental health support. The team that I work with are also all really helpful and take the time to explain things to me even though they are really busy.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The University lecturers have multiple channels where you can ask for help and they are quite good at replying but as it is all online (apart from a few days f2f every few months) it is sometimes harder to get the same level of support as full time students

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Without the chemistry and scientific skills I am learning at Uni, I would not be able to understand as much of the chemistry behind my work.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes many, I have joined a choir which I am really enjoying! There are multiple sports and non- sport ones but some are not yet back due to covid.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is an amazing global company whose brands win many of the market shares but still provides a friendly, learning and supportive environment to gain the skills (from on the job experience) to succeed in your career.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?

To be yourself and follow what you want to do!