L6 Chemical Engineering Degree Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemical Engineering, Research
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: January 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
- Practical work in lab/ pilot plant/ factory
- Data analysis in lab or office
- Presenting + discussing work with my team
- Data analysis in lab or office
- Presenting + discussing work with my team
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I would definitely say that I enjoy my work; the projects I am involved in vary greatly and consistently give me the opportunity to try something new. This cultivates an environment of constant learning and development- both at work and during my time at university.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have been given access to a combination of internal courses, practical training and university modules which have greatly enhanced and developed both my technical and soft skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The course is definitely intense and there are busy periods but there are frequent check ins with managers and other members of staff to ensure that the course is progressing smoothly and that you consider your wellbeing.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Managers are typically very understanding of the university workload and, in my experience, have adjusted the amount of work I am given at different points in the year to reflect this. Frequent wellbeing check ups are also made.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Regular calls are set up with me to update on my progress and well-being. The university team is easily contactable and have always been very understanding of any issues/ problems that have arisen.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My degree provides me with a range of depth and breadth to support the work that I do on my apprenticeship. It provides me with a strong foundation of relevant knowledge which has been vital for several of my work projects.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are several team/ apprentice events throughout the year. These are typically to celebrate events such as the end of exams or Christmas.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The knowledge and experiences that I have gained have been incredibly valuable in preparing me for the workforce once I complete my apprenticeship. My work is certainly at a higher standard, and is improving at (what I believe to be) a faster rate than had I only attended university.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Research the company values and try to think about what they want to see in an apprentice and which of those qualities you have. I think it's best to highlight your best qualities than to try and mould yourself into a 'perfect apprentice' - it might be possible for the interview but not for the whole apprenticeship!
