Mechatronic Maintenance Apprentice Review

by Unilever

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.2/10

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

Everyday is a different day which I enjoy. It involves working safely, wearing the correct PPE, navigating around site to solve different mechanical or electrical problems which may arise. Some problems require more investigation which can be quite challenging but working as a team makes the solutions easier to find. It also involves searching and contacting external companies to source missing/spare parts.

10/10

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

I have learnt many skills: calibrate and check gas detectors as part of maintenance tasks, carrying out earthing test to check if there is a pathway for fault current to escape, learnt how to use the different tools, safe isolation procedure, the functions of relays, contactors etc. I also learnt how to read schematics and pneumatic drawings.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am enjoying my apprenticeship and learning the different ways a challenging problem is solved.

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

My programme is structured as I spend 6 months at each placement, however, I am aware that my programme is flexible because if I feel I am confident with the department or team I am in, I can shorten my placement, but if I need a bit more time in the current placement, I can request this also.

10/10

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

I receive a huge amount of support from my APL, the engineers on site, my line manager and nearly everyone on site. If I am confused with anything, they take the time to explain and show me the topic being used on the production line. There are also a lot of opportunities to learn

10/10

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

My training provider is involved even though we are online for our development days. I can contact my tutors, trainers etc. anytime if I am unsure about anything or if I need additional help.

9/10

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

It is very applicable and helpful as my workplaces relies of PLCs for automated processes and as we know PLC programming has different languages (Function Block Diagram, Ladder Logic) and the qualification exposes us to these languages which is very helpful when applying this to work.

9/10

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.)

Yes, there are opportunities to attend events which are schedules.

6/10

9a. Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Unilever is very supportive and it is an excellent place with many opportunities for those looking to grow and develop. There are many experts to learn from. There are different pathways which we can go into which consider our strengths.

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

Go for it