Formulation chemist Review
at Unilever
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Chemistry
London
Review Submitted: August 2023
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
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:
4/5
Formulation Deodorant formulation research and development by a chemist apprentice. I run experiments with the deo formulas and create new ones. Along with other international offices, I collaborate frequently with our American Office. On a few projects, I'm in charge of the work. I work in a mixture of the lab and office environments. I enjoy both sides, but mainly the lab side. I have many meetings throughout the week to discuss work progression and keep the overall objective of the work in sight. I am now a trainer on many things within the lab
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I have definitely matured.I really appreciate what I do. I like the majority of my job. Meeting so many diverse folks is something I truly love. It is fascinating to learn about all the different countries, even inside Unilever's walls, because it's an international corporation with thousands of individuals from many varied cultures. I believe it has exceeded and met my expectations. I started working here at the age of 18, and in the previous four years I believe this is largely because of my workplace and how much I have been stretched and pushed
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Since I started working with Unilever, I have acquired several new talents. I have picked up a lot of knowledge about good lab practises, meeting manners, and public speaking. I have participated in a lot of training sessions to expand my knowledge, which the organisation offers in spades. I now know how to establish and uphold professional connections both inside and outside of the organisation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The supervisors and coworkers here provide excellent support. My research has received excellent backing. I get one day each week during work hours to study, which is great because it means I dont have to devote as much of my personal time to it. Numerous restructurings have taken place within the organisation, but in my opinion they have been managed successfully.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Unilever has provided outstanding assistance with my studies. I am permitted to study for one day every week at work. I am surrounded by chemists who are prepared to assist if I ask if I have any queries regarding my course that I don't understand. When exam or submission deadlines were nearing, I have gone through some anxious situations. Unilever has provided me with excellent support, enabling me to rearrange some of my workload so that I can manage the stress.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I believe the university could provide greater assistance. But I believe it is been handled fairly well. There have been a few communication issues, but they have always been immediately remedied when brought up. During trips to the university, some tutors in particular who have been teaching the course the longest have provided outstanding support. This course has been quite enjoyable for me, the other students I have taken it with have become excellent friends, and the course material has been interesting.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I believe that my training provider is mentoring me and developing me day by day to higher and higher levels and qualifications than I could have imagined I could reach, which inspires me because it increases my effectiveness in performing my role and equips me with skills to overcome potential challenges.
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
There are several opportunities available besides work. There were a few workplace activities, including the yearly Christmas party. At Unilever, there is a programme that rewards volunteers with two more days off (plus additional days inside the programme). I a;m a really active person when I am not working and I am very passionate
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The workplace is fantastic. Many chances exist to profit from. It is a really welcoming atmosphere centred on wellness and a good work-life balance. When it comes to health, Unilever is a genuinely compassionate firm. The workforce is highly diverse, ranging from young people to those who are virtually retired, and you can make some wonderful friends there
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Grades arent as important as personality here, so be yourself in the application and interview. You need to be open to opportunities and seize them when you get the chance. Be eager and you will do well. Unilever values personality and interesting people to work for them. They believe that working in a diverse and varied community, the most productive and thought-provoking work will get done.
