Packaging technologist Review
at Unilever
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Customer Service, Graphic Design
Bedford, Bedfordshire
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4 /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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
4/5
I am part of the team that looks after all of Uk and Europe's packaging for Unilever Icecream, this means testing the packaging to ensure that it is up to standard and protects the product in the frozen cold chain. Day-to -day I will be working on different brands packaging testing against specifications and advising changes to be made.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the variety and challenges that come with my role, working with a product that is as unique as Icecream really leads to some unique experiences. I also enjoy my university stidies as I am able to transfer the theoretical knowledge into my full time job and see real improvements
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed all of my soft skills by working within a professional environment as I talk to various stakeholders within a project. I have also developed a safety mindset making sure that the team is safe while using our testing equipment, being responsible for their training and safe use. I have also developed more creative and problem solving skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is well organised as it has been running for 4 years meaning that learnings have been taken from the previous cohorts. There is a clear progression plan for me and lots of opportunities to learn new things meaning that I can develop myself and discover what I want to do with my career.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Unilever as an employer provides lots of support from mental and health support to financial benefits to help with the cost of living. Within Unilever there is a really accepting culture and everyone is always willing to help you understand something giving you opportunities to grow. There is a real emphasis on your own development opportunities within the business.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
When working towards qualifications I attend University in 3 day blocks 8 times a year meaning that I can attend in person lectures and gain help on our projects when needed. They also provide online lectures to join focusing on theory in order to increase your understanding in time for the next visit.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Gaining a degree in packaging means that I have more confidence to give answers to my colleagues when asked about a specific material or measurement allowing me to make faster decisions based off my knowledge. It also helps me progress myself focusing on professional development in order to work more efficiently in my role.
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
There are plenty of extra-curricular events such as sporting clubs to join in work hours or after, social events ran by Unilever or the site as well as fun organised expericnes for everyone to enjoy. In addition there is alwasy the emohasis on extra trips to visit suppliers and factories to gain a greater understanding in your role.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Unilever is a very welcoming environment and comprises of a large range of goods within the FMCG meaning that you can get a wide range of experience. There is also many job roles on offer with an emphasis on rotations for apprentices. Unilever really emphasises your own personal development investing in your future.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
When applying to Unilever it is important to be yourself and show that you can be a team player but also too take charge and responsibility when it is required from you. To get a job at Unilever people need to want to work with you so the emphasis is on your character rather then initial skills.
