Food Professional Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6)

Food Professional Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6)

Our purpose is to create a brighter future with you and for you. That future begins in Research and Development (R&D). If you want to develop into your best self while being part of a global organisation that can take you in any direction, this is for you.

There are always new ways for our products to improve the lives of our consumers and have a positive impact on the planet. In R&D you'll discover what consumers want and develop the technology to make our innovations come to life. Unilever R&D apprentices follow a structured programme that allows you to put your science education and passion into practice while getting a degree.

*As we receive a high volume of applications, please make sure to read the job descriptions on our website carefully and apply for the ONE function you are most interested in. Only your first application will be considered*

Your Future Employer

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Foods, Beauty and Wellbeing, Home, and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 3.4 billion consumers daily. Founded in Port Sunlight (Wirral) in 1929 by Lord Lever, Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, TRESemmé, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Hellman’s, Persil, Domestos, Marmite, Graze, Vaseline, Sure, Colman’s and Pot Noodle.

Our goal is to deliver best-in-class performance with market making, unmissably superior brands. From our earliest days Unilever has been at the forefront of change always striving towards making a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why our purpose is ‘Brightening everyday life for all’.

What is the job?

Our purpose is to create a brighter future with you and for you. That future begins in Research and Development (R&D). If you want to develop into your best self while being part of a global organisation that can take you in any direction, this is for you.

There are always new ways for our products to improve the lives of our consumers and have a positive impact on the planet. In R&D you'll discover what consumers want and develop the technology to make our innovations come to life. Unilever R&D apprentices follow a structured programme that allows you to put your science education and passion into practice while getting a degree.

What do we look for?

As an R&D degree apprentice, we look for strong communication skills both verbal and written as apprentices may be required to write reports, emails or give presentations. The world of food research and development is always evolving and being adaptable and flexible with a willingness to learn new things is key. Problem-solving skills, showing the ability to analyse situations, think critically, and propose possible solutions are key strengths in the R&D environment. Good team working skills are important, as a global R&D centre we often work in cross-functional teams and across regions of the globe. Being able to collaborate with your team harmoniously is paramount. Good time management skills are also important, you must be able to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and show initiative without needing constant supervision.

Above all have a passion for food and an enthusiasm for learning.

What could your day-to-day look like?

Our apprentices follow a structured and stimulating academic programme to achieve a BSc Honours degree in Foods Science & Technology aligned to the Foods Professional degree apprentice standard, as well as working on real projects with world-renowned scientists that deliver to some of the 2.5 billion consumers who use a Unilever product every day.

As an R&D Degree Apprentice, you will work with the Colworth Research & Development Product team, leading the way in developing new great tasting drinks. Over the 5 years you will study for a BSc while experiencing working in different aspects of Research & Development working on real projects, leading the way in developing new great tasting drinks, This could see you spending time on projects like:

• Developing new products for the global market
• Delivering world class innovations in great tasting drinks
• Working on sustainable ideas, new science and great inventions helping Unilever remain competitive in a global market

Alongside working on real projects for our millions of global consumers, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues, working with different teams and partners to gain knowledge and skills that will help you develop into a Unilever R&D Food Professional.

What support do we offer?

You will be allocated a buddy from our existing apprentices, who will support you during your first year with us. We also have a vibrant and supportive apprentice community at our site, and they arrange socials and charity events for you to get involved in.

What can Unilever offer YOU?

• A Competitive Salary of £22,716
• A pension Scheme
• A discounted staff shop
• Subsidised Gym Memberships
• Shares
• 25 days of holiday allowance

At Unilever, diversity is about embracing differences, championing inclusion, creating possibilities, and growing together for better business performance. Join our vibrant and inclusive workplace that champions diversity and inclusion.

We give full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

We are a key advocate of well-being and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes, and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Duration

5 years

Requirements

Have GCSEs including English Language and Maths at grade 5 or above. Have or are predicted a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivalent with grades of BBC or above including 2 STEM subjects.

Locations Available

Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook (Bedfordshire)

Application Process:

• Stage 1 - Complete the online application form and tell us about your motivation for choosing Unilever and your selected apprenticeship programme.
• Stage 2 - Situational Judgment Test, which gives you realistic, hypothetical scenarios where you will be asked to identify the most appropriate response. You will also have a numerical and verbal reasoning test at this point
• Stage 3 – In-Person Discovery Centre, immersing yourself in business challenges and an interview

Discovery Centres:

12th February 2026

Closing date:

This is a rolling deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment in case applications close early.

If you have any questions about your application or if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to complete any part of the application process, please contact the Future Careers Team. If you would like to discuss any mitigating circumstances before making an application, please also contact the team using the following contact details:

Phone: 020 3650 2304 or e-mail: futurecareers.recruitment@unilever.com.

Recruitment Fraud

Cybercriminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate.

How is Unilever tackling this?

Many of Unilever’s recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scans for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and acts to close them down.

What can I do?

If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat.

Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key!

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.