Degree Apprentice R&D Review

Item: Degree Apprentice R&D at Unilever
Rating: 3.8
Author: Anonymous

at Unilever

Degree Apprenticeship

Research

Bedfordshire

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

3.8 /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

4/5 - Skills Development

3.4/5 - 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

My role is based in the Packaging R&D function. Within this team, I work internally and externally with a range of different functions / suppliers to develop packaging for innovation and renovation project. This involves project management and lab based activities. Also, I have opportunities to travel to factory trials and supplier visits fairly frequently.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I've been on programme for approx. 3.5 years now. In that time I have had a range of roles and responsibilities, most of which I have enjoyed. A big positive is working alongside professionals with years of experience and lots of knowledge to share, which I feel has accelerated my learning. Also, Unilever as a company have been positive as they place emphasis on employee wellbeing with lots of benefits to utilise.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

Through project work I have developed time/project management skills along with developing interpersonal skills by interacting with a range of stakeholders. Through lab based work, I have been able to develop analytical skills as well as having opportunities for creativity through design of prototypes. I have also developed my knowledge of materials and processes, especially in relation to sustainable devevelopment.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

3/5

At times, the work based placements can seem a bit sporadic as there is no set time when apprentices rotate within the packaging team. From a University perspective the course is still very new, meaning there is lots of change to the way that it is delivered. However, I feel as though it has improved massively since the start of my degree.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

3/5

Day to day, my team is very supportive and are willing to help / share knowledge. Also, there are loads of resources available for any kind of issues you may have in relation to workplace or homelife. The site apprentice team do a great job at making all new apprentices feel welcome. However, support from central teams could be better as it often feels like feedback from apprentices isn't actioned.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

4/5

Sheffield Hallam have been great at showcasing all the support available during the duration of my degree as well as post graduate support. This includes but is not limited to library and lab/workshop use as well as career development support. I have also had opportunities to work with design agencies and visit packaging supplier through my course.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

3/5

I think the learning through my qualification mostly compliments my work based role by reinforcing knowledge on materials and processes.

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

On site, there are lots of social activities available such as football, tennis, squash, netball, bake club, running club, golf, etc. There are sports facilities available on site as well as social events regularly.