Research and Development Degree Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Customer Service
Sharnbrook
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I am currently in the digital and data R&D team and my role is mainly to manipulate data and create visualisations to aid other teams in answering a variety of queries they may have. My work includes handling large amounts of data taken from the internal specification pool and using Power BI to help tell a story with it.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme! On my scheme I have had the opportunity to complete many different rotations and so I have really had a chance to see what sort of roles I enjoy the most. I also really love being able to study part time and enjoy university a lot.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship I have learnt lots of new skills. Some skills are specific to the company, such as learning to use the internal specification pool and how to make ice cream in a pilot plant. But I have also developed many other skills, such as presentation and teamwork skills, as well as learning how to write scientific reports and how to organise my time to complete both university and work projects.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The scheme is very well structured. We have an apprentice co-ordinator who sorts out all of the apprentice rotations. During the first few weeks, an apprentice induction is carried out with introduction sessions to make sure all essential information is provided. The time allocated for university is known to us before the start of each academic year.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support. At Unilever we have an internal E-Learning platform which gives us the opportunity to upskill and develop. For our last few rotations we are able to discuss our preferences with our apprentice co-ordinator to ensure it matches with our desired career path. Our company also makes sure that we have enough time dedicated to our degree.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
London Metropolitan offers a lot of support. All lectures are recorded and so we can go back and re-watch if we are still unsure. Our lecturers always have a short response time if we email with any questions or problems. They understand that we are part-time students and so allow for us to complete our dissertation work any time throughout the course.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I am currently completing a chemistry degree and have a role in data. Although my degree isn't directly helping my role, many skills I have acquired from the degree can be used in my job. For instance, I have had to use communication and presentation skills in my role, something that university has helped me to develop. My previous roles in the scheme were more closely related to chemistry.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Colworth has many extra curricular activities. There is a rugby pitch, trim trail, gym, squash court, croquet pitch and many more! We have a club house just off of site which many people go to over lunch. We also have groups for choir, netball, pilates etc. There's something for everyone
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Unilever is a company that does good. We have a great community at work and some of my closest friend are my colleagues. The rotations on the scheme allow for apprentices to be a part of many different teams and have lots of different roles and responsibilities. There are also lots of progression opportunities and many ways to upskill and develop.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Make sure you research the company. Be passionate and excited - it's a great company so make sure you know why you want to join. There are lots of different schemes available within the company so choose the one that is best suited for you. Try to be yourself. Good luck!
