Degree apprentice R&D Review

Day-to-day I am lab focused, I spend my time both researching new materials and putting them into performance tests, which then I present back to the wider team to assess applicability into the product chassis. I also am undertaking a degree in Chemistry so when I have some spare time in the day, I do some work for this.

100%. I learn something new everyday, whether that be about Unilever or the role I am in, get used to the acronyms as there are a lot of them! In terms of the scientific role I am in, as there are 4 rotations in the Lab science scheme you get to learn about various products and bits of equipment used to assess them and the components they are made up of.

I love it. 3 words that sum up the programme perfectly, and I'm sure my apprentice colleagues would agree! it's one of the best alternative routes to a standard University degree experience and there are a plethora of benefits attached, one being that you do not end up with Student debt, plus you have 3-4 years experience in the workplace, being in FMCG is the cherry on top!

Unilever is highly structured, there will be an apprentice lead for your business group who coordinates rotations etc for the apprentices, they are the point of contact for any issues or questions. Whilst in your role, line managers are highly aware that you are very busy with both University and lab work, so organisation is key for them and yourself, but they are accepting and supportive of your needs int he role.

I'll answer this question in two parts. Firstly the support I get from he apprentice lead in my R&D role is fantastic, I can talk to her about what parts of previous roles I have enjoyed which she then uses to make informed decisions on what role would suit me next. Secondly my manager is highly supportive as previously stated, allowing a fantastic balance between work and University life.

My training provider is the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and they have been very well organised and provide all the materials necessary for completing the degree as well as materials/courses that are super useful for upskilling in certain areas, such as report writing and presentation delivery sessions which have proved useful for the workplace and for the degree qualification.

I have applied things I have learnt in my degree to multiple aspects of my work, such as organic chemistry which I use in the synthesis based role I am currently in. However, it must be said other components of the Chemistry course are not as useful directly but have secondary benefits (i.e., the skills you learn from them, such as critical analysis in inorganic chemistry).

Yes! I am currently on the digital team as part of Unilever's initiative to get apprentices involved in things that are not role-based and are outside of their comfort zone. The digital team allows me to network with other people in IP/UFL/Apprentice roles which allows me to learn more about the workplace!

Yes

Unilever is a fantastic start to anyones career! Being an FMCG means there are so many roles you can explore and so many brands you can be a part of, also being the size of the company means there are so many frameworks in place to make sure you make the most of the time you have whilst completing your role.

* Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone * embrace new opportunities * Ask lots of questions no matter how small * be honest, open and direct about what you have enjoyed and what you have not enjoyed * make sure you balance your time well and do not burn yourself out.