Laboratory Science Degree Apprentice Review

I am in my third year of my apprenticeship. I have 4 days of work, 1 of uni (online) per week. Most of my time is spent in the lab however I also attend meetings (about my project and results) and reply to emails. I also help onboarding the new apprentices and do STEM events with schools.

I have really improved my lab skills. Each year I rotate to a different team allowing me to gain experience in different teams, with different equipment and with different products. I have improved my communication by presenting my results to colleagues and children in schools. I have also improved my time management, data analysis, adaptability and problem solving.

I really enjoy my program. The work aspect is fascinating and seeing products that I worked on/ helped get to market provides a huge sense of achievement! I find the degree very interesting. I really enjoy when what I'm learning in university links to what I'm doing in work. As part of the end point assessment, we also learn business relevant skills not just straight chemistry.

I think it is organised well. In work we rotate each year and get to choose which teams we would like to go. They also take into consideration which year we are in and so which assessments/ coursework we will have to do and put us in the appropriate team. For example if a university assignment will involve data collected from a work project, we will be put in a team and project that will give appropriate amounts and types of data. The university is also well structured. We get material (videos, questions, notes) to go over weekly, coursework and webinars so I feel supported. We also have regular reviews with our manager and uni skills coach where we can provide feedback as well as discussing skills.

We receive lots of support. When we have university deadlines, they are always very supportive and allow more time for university work if needed. There is also a strong apprentice community in our site. We regularly meet which is nice to meet with other people your own age having the same experience.

I think we get good support. We have weekly webinars where we can ask questions about that weeks material and go over exam questions. They also run study skills sessions which I found very helpful! We also have regular reviews with a skills coach and work manager where we can discuss skills, training, progress, and all aspects of university study.

For the apprenticeship end point assessment the university has units on important business skills which are relevant in work too. For example consumer focus, designing an experiment, lit review and results presentation.

I am part of our sites choir- we perform in work and at other venues too. There are site knitting groups and chess clubs too. There are sports teams like football, netball and badminton too. We can also take part in other activities, for example I have done: outreach in schools, running UK apprentice upskilling sessions, Unilever run programs like inspire and onboarding the next cohort of apprentices.

Yes

As well as working for a global company with good, caring values, apprenticeships at Unilever also have lots of benefits available: holiday days, private healthcare, good pay and the staff shop.

To be yourself and show your enthusiasm for what you apply for.