Chemical Engineering Apprentice Review

I am in my third rotation and have worked with a variety of products with in Unilever. My role is in R&D so a lot of what I do involves experimenting with and trying out different novel materials and processes. My current day to day involves analysing at lab scale the science and technology of certain materials. This allows us to get greater understanding of the material and its use at pilot or factory scale.

I get to rotate between departments and this allows me to learn how to use a variety of different equipment and the programs. The company is eager to help apprentices learn as much as they can during their time with them and will always support whatever new skills you want to learn or former skills you want to develop.

Since Unilever is a large company with a diverse range of products I really appreciate being able to rotate between the departments and try new things. I also like being able to practically apply the knowledge I learn at University into my work. Studying along side working creates more variety in my job role.

I think the programme is well structured on both the company and training provider aspects of the apprenticeship. Unilever regularly ask for feedback on the programme and work hard to rectify any issues that there may be, over the years I have seen improvements in the structure of my apprenticeship which has helped me to develop more. Unilever makes a lot of effort to help the apprentices as much as possible.

Apprentices are well supported and Unilever have a lot of support systems and programmes set aside specifically for apprentices. Apprentices aren't treated as lesser staff and get involved in and contribute to many important projects. Your line manager, team and apprentice managers are all very supporting and understanding of the university obligations you have and work hard to support you in that aspect as well.

The training provider does well to support the apprentices, they have an understanding of the different requirements needed by part time students compared to full time students and try to accommodate that. They have a dedicated team to work with the apprentices and have regular meetings with the apprentices and company to discuss any issues or concerns.

My qualification provides majority of the theoretical knowledge needed in my role. The academic knowledge builds foundations for understanding the projects I work on. As I move team different academic modules become more or less relevant with time. Working also helps you to see the real world applications of your qualification.

Unilever provides many networking events and encourages apprentices to take part in STEM outreach events. I have taken part in a number of outreach events are local high schools which I have enjoyed. There are often social activities organised by apprentices or within individual teams. There a number of sport teams/activities (e.g football, badminton etc) on site that people can join.

Yes

The support and investment you get from Unilever is not something you would easily find at other companies, and this makes it an unique opportunity. I also like knowing that what I am working on have real world impacts. Its quite nice to go to the shop and be able to see and buy products that you have taken part in making even if it was just a small role. Being able to learn from and be apart of a company that really values supporting young people is something I really appreciate and enjoy. Something that really drew me to the apprenticeship was the opportunity to rotate through different teams to allow me to really find what aspect of the industry was for me.

Unilever is a very diverse company with people from different backgrounds and varying experiences so there is no need to try and be something you aren't. Research about the company and find out what their values are and look at how they align with your own values. If you are truly interested in the job role that will come through in your interview and the hiring manager will see that.