Chemical Engineering Apprentice Review

In my current rotation in Skin Cleansing i have been involved in 2 projects: computational fluid dynamics, Dove Lamellar Process Sensitivities. I get 2 days dedicated to univeristy per week however due to finsihing univeristy for the year at the start of may i now work monday to friday. Depending on the day i will either be processing. doing microscope work on my samples, quality control work, using the computational fluid dynamics software, presentations or meetings.

Yes i have learnt how to use the microscope. I have learnt how to use the processing machines in our pilot plant factory. I have learnt how to design experiments. i have learnt how to use the computational fluid dynamics software. Also I have learnt how to present effectively in meetings.

I enjoy the fact that when in university i get 2 days a week to manage my studies and get given projects which are easier to manage due to only having 3 days in work. I enjoy day to day jobs in work as i find what i am doing interesting.

Yes i believe my programme is well structured. There is quarterly meetings with the university and my managers in work to raise any issues on either side. I also fill out a work based learning tracker and an off the job hours tracker which will help when i need to do my EPA in my final year.

Like i have said previously i get 2 days a week for university studies this allows me to not rush my work. I also get study days when it comes to test periods. They also pay for my travel and stay when i have to go to my university for exams.

My training provider Strathclyde has a module every year dedicated to work based learning. In this module you have to submit a class assignment every year that consists of a work based learning tracker, off the job hours, reflective essay, workplace feedback form i think they are all helpful when moving into full time work for the summer. They also responded in a timely manner when dealing with any questions i have.

There is quarterly meetings with the university and my managers in work to raise any issues on either side. I also fill out a work based learning tracker and an off the job hours tracker which will help when i need to do my EPA in my final year. The modules i learn are relevant to what i doing in work and its onteresting to understand how things work in real life

I am a stem ambassador so i can take part in outreach activities. There are many networking events that occur in my work throughout the year however due to my 2 university days i struggle to have time to attend these events unfortunately. Since my 3 days of work usually consists of project related work leaving no time for extra curricular activities.

Yes

My course blends hands-on experience with academic studies. Three days a week, I carry out lab and process-based work, followed by two days dedicated to advancing my knowledge through university studies. My course is 5 years long so each year I swap rotations I am currently in Skin Cleansing R&D and was previously in Oral Care S&T, this enriching five-year course allows me to explore various parts of Chemical Engineering. During my initial year, I delved into Quality Control, Aging Studies, Microstructures, and Rheology within the Oral Team. In my current rotation, I am engaged in cutting-edge projects involving Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations and process sensitivities for our shower gels. Beyond my core responsibilities, I've actively participated in Outreach STEM Activities during my time at Unilever. This apprenticeship has not only deepened my understanding of Chemical Engineering but also provided valuable hands-on experience, seamlessly integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. I highly recommend this apprenticeship to anyone passionate about STEM subjects.

Be confident in your interviews. Express your interests and show how you would be a good team member. Show you want to learn and while working at Unilever. You should definitely describe why you want to work at Unilever and why you want to do the course you have chose to study.