Packaging Degree Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Product Design, Research
Bedfordshire
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!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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:
5/5
On a day to day basis i'm responsible for managing the different packaging types that we use in the Ice Cream business. Connecting with different teams and factories to sort out any problems. I am also working day to day on new packaging types for innovation projects to launch into the market.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy my program due to variety of the day to day activities, I have got the opportunity to travel to our different Ice Cream factories across Europe to help launch new innovations into the market. Internally everyone is always really helpful and keen to help with my development
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I've learnt many new skills during my course, of course focused around my packaging degree, learning materials science, product development essentials and about sustainability. I have also greatly developed my personal skills, becoming a project manager for innovation projects and have learnt how to manage stakeholders.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
My programme at work is fairly structured with a set pathway in that I spent the first year learning more functional skills before transitioning into different project teams to help deliver innovations. The scope of my work can change weekly though due to new business/team priorities but this gives me the opportunity to learn something new.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Unilever supports me in my development when I attend University, allowing me time to focus on my studies without worrying about my day job. I have also had manay opportunities to travel and develop my own personal skills because of Unilever and the different roles I have filled. Overall everyone is always very supportive.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider is always supportive and makes sure to understand our situation in workigng full time while also studying, respecting our time while also challenging us to improve on the course. The course is taught in block release sessions every other month that I attend. We are also provided with a learning coach who we can contact if we need and have regular catchups with.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My degree helps me understand the different packaging applications and situations better to then use in my role. I have also been able to develop my personal skills to become a reflective practitioner, helping with my decision making and task ownership. I've also been able to develop my presentation skills as well as creativity.
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
At Colworth Science Park there are extra curricular activities such as football, badminton, cricket, running and other sports activities. There are also arts and crafts sessions. The site also hosts various external events either with local schools for work experience or for a celebration of a business anniversary. I've also had the opportunity to attend external events not ran by Unilever.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The overall variety inmy day to day job has kept the role really refreshing everyday and I am always overcoming new challenges. The emphasis that Unilever puts on their apprentices is different than other business, trusting them with new product launches and other important decisions. There is also a wide apprentice network in Unilever.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
My tips and advice would be mainly focused around being authentic and true to your nature, but also making sure to act interested and willing to learn. Ultimately Unilever is looking to hirer someone that can grow and develop within their role so a lack of technical skills before applying shouldnt impact the decision too much.
