Degree Apprentice R&D Food Professional Review

Physical and sensory analysis of ice cream samples to help reformulate and design new products with the goal of decreasing their impact on the environment. Working with novel ingredients and alternative proteins to help improve the non-dairy portfolio of brands.

I have been digitally upskilled in the use of data capture tools and databases, gotten experience at admin and increased my proficiency with tools such as PowerPoint and excel. I have also learned soft skills such as networking and workload management whilst balancing both parts of my apprenticeship.

Very much. I feel that my workplace is always evolving and keeping itself interesting. This is helped by the number of rotations available to me during my time here, which keep things fresh. The university aspect is a new way of learning that has been challenging but enjoyable.

I suspect the length of the rotations will be suitable and able to give me experience in a number of roles without making me feel too spread. The university block week releases, whilst sometimes intense with information, give me a good opportunity to focus on my studies.

There are lots of managers and older apprentices (as this apprenticeship scheme has been running for a while) who are very knowledgeable about what sort of problems apprentices face, so asking for advice is easy.

The lecturers and mentors are available and easy to contact, and any information we need for university is usually available online at a reasonable time.

As I will rotate in my 5 years at Unilever, I feel that the broad topics covered in my qualification will definitely help me become more rounded in my understanding of the food industry and help me to find where I am best fitted.

Yes, there are several for all types of hobbies (e.g. baking, running, bouldering, card games etc.). There are also networking events often held in other sites where you can meet with people in other parts of the business.

Yes

Unilever builds a good working culture. The staff are friendly and the work is always changing. They have strong commitments to good causes, such as safety and environmental awareness.

Show a passion for the subject of interest, a good work ethic and a sociable attitude. Be confident in yourself and your ideas. Be creative and innovative.