Food Professional Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Science
Bedford, UK
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.3 /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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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 Pilot plant. This involves weighing out dry ingredients, making mixes (Putting both wet and dry ingredients into the mixer, and homogenising and collecting) and supporting trills, (watching and helping get containers, doing runs to the freezer and filling up the hopper), I am also measuring the fats and solids, and I have to report the the owner if they are out of spec, I also have to pessent the data at the bi monthly meetings
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I'm enjoying the program a lot, everybody is really nice and knowledgeable, they are always willing to share their knowledge and answer questions i ask. The knowledge I am gaining from university and working within the company is fascinating, i love learning so this is a really enjoyable process for me. Sometimes the work load is a lot however if i need a bit of extra time for a project or an assignment i can speak to my line manager.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I've learned how to use a homogeniser, how the ice cream freezers work and how to use one. Ive developed my skills in microscopes, in Optical, SEM and Inf. I am now very competent in excel. , I have learned how to conduct proper scientific methods and record keeping and my people skills have improved a lot.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
working within the company is well organised, i have been trained on all the necessary safety and equipment and i am allowed to work at my own pace provided I get everything done. However the university side is a bit more unorganised, all the lectures are really good but they don't have enough time within the block weeks, with several lecturers they have too speed through the lectures to include all the information we need to cover and this makes it more difficult to absorb the information, I think another block week would ease the pressure
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I receive a lot of support for tasks that i complete within the company until i feel comfortable and am signed off and i can always ask anyone I need help. For my university work I like to be independent but if i want anyone to make sure what i have done is correct i feel safe about reaching out for help
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I could receive a lot of support, I know if there's a particular topic I need help that i can ask someone, i also know that i can ask other apprentices for guidance, there is also material available on our share point. If I need extra time I can talk to my line manager
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that it helps a lot in different ways, it helps through the knowledge we gain both theoretical and piratical skills that can be applied in our jobs, it also really helps meeting other people from different areas of the food industry, I've also found it helps with my time management
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Yes, we pick one out of several options to take part in in our first year, I chose outreach, which involves going round schools and going to careers fairs to promote the company. there is also a little community within the company, together we organise trips and activity's for ourselves, there are also regular groups that you are able to join, such as quiz night.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I very much enjoy working hear, I think it will be a great opportunity for anyone, it is an easy location to get to, everyone is super helpful and nice, and it opens up a lot of career pathways , the pay is very good and its a fun place to work
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Be Very enthusiastic and show you care about the opportunity and that you are interested in joining the company, do your research about the company and the university and the role that you are applying for. think and put effort into your interview project, Unilever cares about your personality rather then your qualifications
