Control and Automation Engineer Apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.5/10

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

I am currently working within our site utilities department as a controls and automation apprentice. I shadow our automation engineer learning electrical and programming skills. My days vary, some days I am performing project installs, other days I am performing project installation work, both with my mentor and on my own dependent on what the task is.

8/10

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

On site I have learnt new skills in PLC programming using Logix 5000 software, HMI programming using FactoryTalk View software, SCADA development in iFix, electrical, mechanical and pneumatic skills through a wide range of different daily tasks and activities. I have also been sent on a variety of training courses from Siemen's PLC programming, to ammonia awareness, etc.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I greatly enjoy my onsite work, and I find all engineers to be very supportive and friendly, willing to teach and offer assistance. Throughout the apprenticeship I have had college lecturers who have been very helpful as well as lecturers that have not been.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My program is well structured form the college side with all of my modules broken up into units. On site my days are not as structured, however this can be beneficial as it means I have been exposed to a wide variety of work and problems that need solving.

7/10

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

I receive constant support from the engineers working around me and from my onsite mentor. My line manager has always been approachable, helpful and interested in my progress.

9/10

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

The AMRC provides me with good support overall. Some lecturers have not been as helpful, and some do not always respond to emails in a timely manner, but others have been fantastic.

6/10

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

I believe that my qualification has provided me with the academic backing to be able to perform my role better. I would like a course more tailored to my job requirements, but I suppose the slightly more general training opens up more opportunities for me in the future.

8/10

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.)

The engineers normally meet up for a Christmas do, as well as having a party when members of the team retire or move on. Outside of this, I do not know of ant other extra-curricular activities.

7/10

9a. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The other engineers on site are very supportive and there is a friendly atmosphere.

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

I would advise others applying for a Unilever apprenticeship to carefully study the details of the scheme. Once they are on the scheme I would also encourage them to become the driving force behind their apprenticeship looking for the jobs they need for experience and working hard to finish their apprenticeship as qualified and competent as possible.