Register Your Interest - Lab Science Degree Apprenticeship 2027

*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*

What is the job?

Unilever’s purpose is to create a brighter future with you and for you and that journey starts in Research & Development (R&D).

In R&D, you’ll help shape products that improve people’s lives and make a positive impact on the planet. You’ll learn what consumers need and help turn ideas into real innovations. As an R&D apprentice, you’ll follow a structured programme that lets you apply your scientific knowledge in the lab while working towards your degree.

As a Laboratory Science apprentice, you’ll use your scientific skills to support the development of new products across our different categories. You’ll work at either the Product Innovation Laboratory in Port Sunlight or the Materials Innovation Factory in Liverpool, alongside world‑leading scientists in Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care and Home Care. Within project teams, you’ll help create innovative products used by millions every day.

What do we look for?

You will have a genuine passion for Chemistry and its impact on the world around us. Highly motivated with an aptitude for teamwork and keen scientific curiosity you will be keen to learn from others and bring your ideas.

What could your day-to-day look like?

You will be working within a fast-paced project team, and most of your work will be laboratory-based where your results will help the team leader to make key decisions for our products.

What support will you receive?

You will have a workplace mentor who will assist with any questions relating to your apprenticeship. We have a strong relationship with the university who will also offer guidance and training on top of your studies.

As part of a project team, you will have the guidance of your line manager and a peer buddy to help you to settle into the team and we also have a community of former and current apprentices who organise a range of support, everything from sharing their experiences with the apprenticeship to organising nights out in Liverpool.

What can Unilever offer YOU?

• A competitive salary of £25,000
• A pension scheme
• A Benefits Envelope which has a notional value of 25% of your pensionable earnings. Use it to save for your pension, get extra taxable pay or both.
• A discounted staff shop
• Subsidised mym memberships - availability varies by site
• Shares
• 25 days of holiday allowance
• Opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.
• Opportunity to join one of our Future Careers Development Teams such as Outreach, Digi, Community & Wellbeing and many more! By joining a team, you can grow business-critical skills, develop Unilever Behaviours, and make a meaningful contribution to Future Careers.

To find out more about Future Careers at Unilever UK, check out our Instagram page!

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 resources 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: 4 years

Requirements: Have 5 GCSEs including English Language and Maths at grade 5 or above. Have or are predicted a minimum of 3 A-level or equivalent with grades BBB or above including Chemistry and at least one other STEM subject.

Locations Available: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days required weekly at our Port Sunlight (Wirral) office, with one day spent at university, although this may vary depending on role responsibilities and line manager discretion.

Application process

Stage 1 – Online Application: Complete the online application form and tell us about your motivation for choosing Unilever and your selected apprenticeship programme.

Stage 2 – Online Assessments: Situational judgement test which gives you realistic hypothetical scenarios where you will be asked to identify the most appropriate response. You will also complete a numerical reasoning assessment, an online test that measures your ability to interpret and draw conclusions from numerical data and verbal reasoning assessment an online test that measures your ability to understand and evaluate written information.

Stage 3 – Video Interview: Candidates who perform well in the online assessments will be invited to complete a video interview.

Stage 4 – In person discovery centre: In person discovery centre immersing yourself in new business challenges and an interview.

• Applications open: Monday 9 November 2026
• Applications close: This is a rolling deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment in case applications close early.
• Discovery Centres: TBC
• Start date: September 2027

Do you require any adjustments in the application or assessment process?

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

Cyber criminals 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 scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act 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!

Register Your Interest

To be the first to know once applications open, register your interest today!