Packaging Degree Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Product Design
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: January 2025
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!
3/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
3/5
My role so far involves attending team and project meetings, assisting with global innovation projects, testing packs in the lab and participating in sub-teams.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
It can be a bit boring sometimes as the job side doesnt have much schedule/structure. The community both at work and university are lovely and Ive been involved in lots of event organising for my office which is fun. The course does seem interesting so far and I enjoy the university blocks.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Im developing my soft skills such as presentation, time management and communication. Ive learnt a lot about packaging and the industry.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
At the start especially, work had no structure or organisation. After the basic onboarding it seemed like they didn't really know what to do with me! It has got better since, but it's definitely very flexible and you have to communicate what you want to do. The university side is okay, but again, was very disorganised at the start - no one was able to enrol until five days before our first block and communication leading up to it was poor and confusing.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
There is a lot of support available. The older apprentices are lovely and always happy to help or support. There is a buddy system so you get paired with an older apprentice from before you already join which works really well. My manager and whole team is lovely, and again always happy to support with both work and university.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Ive only been to university once so far, but everything seems okay. During onboarding, communication from the uni was poor and confusing, but it seems much better now.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My managers are keen to link the content Im learning in uni to what Im working on in the job. As someone with no prior packaging experience, I think uni will help me learn and develop lots of relevant skills.
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
Im involved in two of the community groups, which includes planning social events or decorating the office. I think there are some clubs, but I dont know much about them.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Unilever is a huge global company with lots of opportunities. The community is lovely and its a nice, relaxed place to work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Be confident, smiley and ask lots of questions.
