Software Developer Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Kingston upon Thames
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
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
As a software developer apprentice at Unilever, my team is responsible for the development and maintenance of our front-facing corporate sites across all markets. This has included:
- Writing code across the frontend and backend.
- Writing tests for our CI/CD automation processes.
- Working with stakeholders to understand business requirements, and translate these into technical solutions.
- Writing code across the frontend and backend.
- Writing tests for our CI/CD automation processes.
- Working with stakeholders to understand business requirements, and translate these into technical solutions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Very much so. I think it's the perfect blend of interesting, challenging, and fun which really helps with staying motivated. I've also had plenty of support from line managers and from my coaches at my training provider (Multiverse) to make sure that I'm comfortable and progressing smoothly throughout my time as an apprentice.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Definitely! I came into the role with a very basic technical foundation, which I've been able to work on and improve throughout my time as an apprentice. This includes picking up new tools & programming languages, understanding the development process, and a whole lot more that I had no idea existed.
I've also been encouraged at every step of the way to build my soft skills through presentations to the team and to members of the wider business, as well as through networking opportunities with other apprentices.
I've also been encouraged at every step of the way to build my soft skills through presentations to the team and to members of the wider business, as well as through networking opportunities with other apprentices.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
My programme is very well organised. I initially had a 12-week bootcamp to build up a foundation of transferrable skills, both technical & non-technical. I then had opportunities to take these skills and use them to provide value within the team. I've also always had the support I needed from both line managers and apprentice coaches.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Plenty. I'm consider myself lucky to be in a place where all of my coworkers are friendly and always ready to help. I've also enjoyed the fact that, especially for more technical matters, I've often been pointed in the right direction in order to find a solution rather than immediately given a working solution. This has been invaluable for developing a resilient and motivated mindset.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Again, I receive plenty of support from my training provider. This has been in the form of constant study materials and practice (including a 12-week bootcamp at the beginning of the course), as well as consistent access to help & guidance from apprentice coaches, who have been mentors to me throughout my time as an apprentice.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification has been invaluable in terms of setting me up for success within my role. One great example of this is a 12-week coding bootcamp I was able to participate in with apprentices from a range of backgrounds in order to build a foundation of technical & soft skills to build from during my time within the team.
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
There are many extra-curricular activities to be involved at Unilever. I've had the opportunity to attend more than a few technical workshops throughout my time here, as well as social events with my team as well as with fellow apprentices in the wider business.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I think being an apprentice at Unilever is an amazing opportunity to not only explore a wide variety of roles, but also to connect and network with likeminded people through social and professional networking events. I've come to value the opportunities I've been exposed to throughout my time here, and would definitely recommend a position at Unilever to a friend.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Be clear about why you want to work for Unilever specifically. Also, make sure you relate to Unilever's goals (sustainability is a big one right now!) and think about how you might be an asset to Unilever through the particular role you're applying for.
