Degree Apprentice R&D Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemistry, Research
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
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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 conduct testing shampoo and conditioners based on various physical factors on a daily basis. This could be based on smell, colour and the physical appearance of these products. I also test the viscosity and pH of these products using a range of analytical techniques in the labs on a daily basis.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the apprenticeship here at Unilever because everyone is willing to help and support you with your learning. The team have trained me up very well to do the job and they are supportive of everything that I choose to do. There are many opportunities for apprentices to get involved in multiple projects.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt time management, organisation, public speaking, and being responsible/accountable for my own work. I believe these skills are important for me to be able to thrive in the workplace and build a career based in research. I believe it is particularly important to be accountable for the work I do because it places me to have responsibility
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is very well structured with a clear outcome of everything that is taught along the course. Unilever and Manchester Metropolitan University have a range of support and resources available to help support me with my studies. I have set day dedicated to my studies with the rest of the week being spent working with the team.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer as there is a support network of managers, and other apprentices who are willing to help support me with my studies and my day to day duties. There will always be someone available on hand to help me should I need any support in this apprenticeship
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have a skills coach who is dedicated to the programme to check in on how I am getting on and to set targets for me to work on in the workplace. These targets are aligned to the Apprenticeship standards which I can later talk about in my EPA at the end of this apprenticeship
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification equips me with the knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to succeed in my role. With the behaviours I develop (such as time management and accountability) help to better my understanding of the importance of different skills on the workplace
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
I am involved in the Outreach development team which allows me to go to various schools and colleges in the area to raise awareness to students of the benefits of undertaking an apprenticeship as an educational alternative beyond school. This involves taking part in careers fairs and careers talks in schools
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Unilever is a brilliant place to work. Everyone is really supportive of your journey here as a apprentice and are willing to commit to training you up in the job. There are many learning opportunities to get involved with different projects and development teams such as outreach and onboarding for the new apprentices
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
My advice would be to be yourself. In the interviews, nobody is trying to trick you out- they just want to see who you are and whether you would be best suited to the role. You have to be committed to go through with this process and that involves thoroughly researching the company and ensuring it is the right company for you to work at.
