Laboratory Science Degree Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Science, Chemistry, Research
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: March 2024
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
3.6/5
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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:
4/5
I am in my third year of my apprenticeship. I have 4 days of work, 1 of uni (online) per week. Most of my time is spent in the lab however I also attend meetings (about my project and results) and reply to emails. I also help onboarding the new apprentices and do STEM events with schools.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my program. The work aspect is fascinating and seeing products that I worked on/ helped get to market provides a huge sense of achievement!
I find the degree very interesting. I really enjoy when what I'm learning in university links to what I'm doing in work. As part of the end point assessment, we also learn business relevant skills not just straight chemistry.
I find the degree very interesting. I really enjoy when what I'm learning in university links to what I'm doing in work. As part of the end point assessment, we also learn business relevant skills not just straight chemistry.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have really improved my lab skills. Each year I rotate to a different team allowing me to gain experience in different teams, with different equipment and with different products. I have improved my communication by presenting my results to colleagues and children in schools. I have also improved my time management, data analysis, adaptability and problem solving.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I think it is organised well.
In work we rotate each year and get to choose which teams we would like to go. They also take into consideration which year we are in and so which assessments/ coursework we will have to do and put us in the appropriate team. For example if a university assignment will involve data collected from a work project, we will be put in a team and project that will give appropriate amounts and types of data.
The university is also well structured. We get material (videos, questions, notes) to go over weekly, coursework and webinars so I feel supported. We also have regular reviews with our manager and uni skills coach where we can provide feedback as well as discussing skills.
In work we rotate each year and get to choose which teams we would like to go. They also take into consideration which year we are in and so which assessments/ coursework we will have to do and put us in the appropriate team. For example if a university assignment will involve data collected from a work project, we will be put in a team and project that will give appropriate amounts and types of data.
The university is also well structured. We get material (videos, questions, notes) to go over weekly, coursework and webinars so I feel supported. We also have regular reviews with our manager and uni skills coach where we can provide feedback as well as discussing skills.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
We receive lots of support. When we have university deadlines, they are always very supportive and allow more time for university work if needed.
There is also a strong apprentice community in our site. We regularly meet which is nice to meet with other people your own age having the same experience.
There is also a strong apprentice community in our site. We regularly meet which is nice to meet with other people your own age having the same experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I think we get good support.
We have weekly webinars where we can ask questions about that weeks material and go over exam questions.
They also run study skills sessions which I found very helpful!
We also have regular reviews with a skills coach and work manager where we can discuss skills, training, progress, and all aspects of university study.
We have weekly webinars where we can ask questions about that weeks material and go over exam questions.
They also run study skills sessions which I found very helpful!
We also have regular reviews with a skills coach and work manager where we can discuss skills, training, progress, and all aspects of university study.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
For the apprenticeship end point assessment the university has units on important business skills which are relevant in work too. For example consumer focus, designing an experiment, lit review and results presentation.
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
I am part of our sites choir- we perform in work and at other venues too. There are site knitting groups and chess clubs too. There are sports teams like football, netball and badminton too.
We can also take part in other activities, for example I have done: outreach in schools, running UK apprentice upskilling sessions, Unilever run programs like inspire and onboarding the next cohort of apprentices.
We can also take part in other activities, for example I have done: outreach in schools, running UK apprentice upskilling sessions, Unilever run programs like inspire and onboarding the next cohort of apprentices.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
As well as working for a global company with good, caring values, apprenticeships at Unilever also have lots of benefits available: holiday days, private healthcare, good pay and the staff shop.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
To be yourself and show your enthusiasm for what you apply for.
