Packaging R&D degree apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: May 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
My role is varied on a day to day basis. I am involved in different global innovation projects as well as having focus areas within other sub teams to enhance my skills. I work in the laboratory, office and Advanced Manufacturing Centre.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am really grateful for the opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship with Unilever. Not only do I love my professional role, I value the work environment and company culture which I now understand are important factors to me. I feel inspired by the work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have had the opportunity to develop a lot of my technical skills. There have also been several opportunities to enhance my softer skills. I am confident that the future will bring plenty more opportunities for personal development.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I would say that overall the degree apprenticeship programme is well structured. I feel supported in the workplace. However, I also think that it is very self-led and so I think you will get a lot more out of it if you share your interests with your manager as they can seek suitable opportunities and experiences for you.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I feel very well supported by my manager. I am confident that he wants the best for me and allows me where possible to experience opportunities that can challenge and develop my knowledge. I think the scale of the company ensures a secure HR network, fighting for a safe and fair workplace.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I would say that the university aims to support around assignments and the course content. However, I do think that as we have less face to dace learning in comparison to full time students, it takes longer to get a response for questions. Having said that, we have a small cohort which allows us to have a close relationship and know our lecturers well.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think that my degree theory teaches me a lot about packaging from a business perspective. I also value the cooperative conversations in class in which we share our knowledge from different companies working with different packaging materials. I find this valuable to enhance our learning on a larger scale.
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
My team are all very friendly and we are keen to go out for socials on a Friday after work. The Unilever sites all offer extra curricular activities. I have personally played for the netball team at Port Sunlight but I know that they offer a range of other activities.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The main reason I would recommend Unilever to a friend is for its work culture. I think that the company cares for your wellbeing and so there is a lot of flexibility and support on offer. Personally, I align with the company values which I think helps to give my work purpose!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
I would say to be yourself in the interview. Show that you can work well in a team and are adaptable to different situations. It is likely that you will be working with teams in other regions and so I would say that it is important to show understanding/acceptance of other cultures and ways of working.
