Chemical Engineering Degree Apprentice Review

I have been and am a Process Engineer in a number of Unilever's business sectors, it involves working with factories around the world to scale up the research and development work into a practical business application for large scale production or in other formats that may apply the knowledge elsewhere.

There are a huge variety of skills and trainings you pick up as part of your apprenticeship, not least being well versed in data science, and the applications that data can have as part of your role. This can range from simple analysis to performing experiments and extrapolating to then apply it to other applications.

I think it's a fantastic programme, with the current apprentices now going to a different training provider it's even better. The work is challenging and interesting, and I find the experience more gratifying than that of university work alone, based on my experience of university. On top of that the lack of pressure from tuition fees is always a nice feeling.

The structure is robust, and as I have progressed through the programme it has improved. There are reviews between the three parties involved regularly, and a deep understanding of the importance of keeping each member in the loop of the issues and challenges that any of them may face, to benefit the apprentice, company and training provider.

A huge amount of support is given from the company, and you are made to feel welcome from the minute you accept your offer. On top of that, training and skills are offered to develop you as a person and employee alongside your university work. You are treated as an adult, and an equal, not just an apprentice who's sent to make the tea for the office.

The training provider tries to be as understanding of the situation as it can be while managing it's own students and commitments, with apprentices managed with a special team to help steer the apprentice through any issues. They are committed to getting the best possible result for the apprentice at all times.

The qualification aids me in the sense that I can understand the practicalities of work I am undertaking but the true understanding of the science and engineering principles which underpin why I do the work I am doing only comes from the qualification and the training as part of the apprenticeship.

Yes, there are a number of networking and outreach opportunities such as STEM outreach events for high schools, and internal networking events, as well as social events in each team, where they're usually organised each Christmas, or throughout the year. I'm also a member of a football group, which plays regularly.

Yes

In terms of investment in its employees, Unilever is second to none. It's constantly offering opportunities to grow and progress, and even gain qualifications. Not only that, its principles underpin all the work it does, and it's an incredible feeling to be a part of that and work toward making sustainable living commonplace.

Be yourself. There is not one singular type of person that is better suited to joining the company, the role you are applying for could be the first of many doors within your career and it's only a question of whether you have the energy, commitment and potential that your hiring manager could see, and if you're not true to yourself when applying, that could be missed.