Junior Software developer Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
London
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.5 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
Currently I am in a Junior developer role, where I have been given a large amount of responsibility. In my day to day I am part of the development team creating and developing components for the Unilever corporate websites. While also being involved in the planning and maintenance of the platform infrastructure.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I thoroughly enjoy my work life at Unilever. I get to work with various people in the business from IT, HR to COMMS. I also feel like a valued member of the team given real responsibility on business critical platforms and being involved in key decision making are just some of the great points of my apprenticeship experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt: task and time prioritization, front end code, logical css, coding and process good practice, accessibility in web, screenreader testing, keyboard testing, end to end testing, basic understanding of netlify and platform infrastructure, project planning and execution, knowledge of the wider FMCG business and knowledge practice of different cookie management tools.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Yes I am given lots of information around every module that my program has what dates to expect everything and who to contact. This program at Unilever also rotates you through different parts of the business doing one year rotations in different teams for the length of the three year programme.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I get constant contact with my line manager who offers me assistance in every stage of my journey on the program. Unilever is also very accessibility friendly inclusive of everyone no matter race religion or sexual orientation. Furthermore my colleagues offer me support and guidance in my day to day role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider offers me all of the regularly available services that a full time university student would have i.e academic workshops, presentation skills workshops etc. We receive one day of lectures a week where the lecturers are fully accommodating of apprentices providing all information online in the case that we cannot be there in person on the day.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
What I have learnt in University relates in some of my day to day work. In my rotations at Unilever I will be able to use all of the different knowledge learnt in the different parts of the business. I know more of the planning and reasoning behind technical decisions as I can relate it to the theory.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
At Unilever Apprentices take part in activities called +1 that are completely separate from your role. This could be helping on boarding of future apprentice cohorts to going to schools and careers fairs to help promote apprenticeships at Unilever. There is also lots of social events that allow you to meet other apprentices and network with colleagues at Unilever.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Unilever has a great work life balance the company cares about their employees and it shows. From my experience working hours are flexible, as long as you get your work done you can do that work in the evening early morning etc. Unilever also cares about sustainability and it is great to work for a company that does good.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
On the assessment days be yourself, most importantly do not overshadow/talk over other people on the assessment days. Unilever has a very flat hierarchy and it shows. Learn about FMCG their competitors and Unilever's recent activity because at some point you will be asked to express your thoughts on it.
