Chemical Engineering Apprentice Review

I am in my second rotation and have worked with a variety of products with in Unilever. My day to day involves applying knowledge to scaling up and improving the manufacturing process of different products. My role is in R&D so a lot of what I do involves experimenting with and trying out different novel materials and processes.

The company is eager to help apprentices learn as much as they can during their time with them and will always support whatever new skills you want to learn or former skills you want to develop. Getting to rotate between departments allows me to learn how to use a variety of different equipment and the programs that they use. The equipment I use range from small lab scale mixers to pilot plant scale rigs.

Since Unilever is a large company with a diverse range of products I really appreciate being able to rotate between the departments and try new things. I also like being able to practically apply the knowledge I learn at University into my work. Studying along side working creates more variety in my job role.

I personally think the programme is well structured on both the company and training provider aspects of the apprenticeship. Unilever makes a lot of effort to help the apprentices as much as possible. They regularly ask for feedback on the programme and work hard to rectify any issues that there may be.

Apprentices are well supported by Unilever and they provide a lot of support specifically for them. Apprentices aren't treated as lesser staff and get involved in and contribute to many important projects. If you have any issues or concern there are always people you can talk to who will listen to you and provide help. Your line manager, team and apprentice managers are all very supporting and understanding of the university obligations you have and work hard to support you in that aspect as well.

The training provider does well to support the apprentices, they have an understanding of the different requirements needed by part time students compared to full time students and try to accommodate that. They have a dedicated team to work with the apprentices and have regular meetings with the apprentices and company to discuss any issues or concerns.

My qualification provides majority of the theoretical knowledge needed in my role. The academic knowledge unpins the projects I work on, having that knowledge makes many things easier to understand. Certain modules will have a more regular application than others (e.g Engineering safety), despite this I can see the benefits my qualification will have as I continue to develop in this role.

Unilever provides many networking events and encourages apprentices to take part in STEM outreach events. I have taken part in a number of outreach events are local high schools which I have enjoyed. There are often social activities organised by apprentices or within individual teams. I am not a part of any but there a number of sport teams/activities (e.g football, badminton etc).

Yes

I think its a really great and unique opportunity. The support and investment you get from Unilever is not something you would easily find at other companies. I also like knowing that what I am working on have real world impacts. Its quite nice to go to the shop and be able to see and buy products that you have taken part in making even if it was just a small role. Being able to learn from and be apart of a company that really values supporting young people is something I really appreciate and enjoy.

Try your best and be yourself. Unilever is a very diverse company with people from all walks of life so there is no need to try and be something you aren't. Research about the company and find out what their values and look at how they align with your own values. If you are truly interested in the job role that will come through in your interview and the hiring manager will see that.