Chemical Engineer Apprentice Review
at Unilever
Degree Apprenticeship
Chemical Engineering
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.9 /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
4.8/5
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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 have 2 days assigned for univeristy when it is running from May to September then I work full time May to September once the university year has finished. I swap rotations within Port Sunlight each year I have currently worked in Oral Care, Skin Cleansing and Hair Processing. Since I am in Hair Processing this year my day to day job consists of making shampoo/conditoners using various processes and doing data analysis on my work and quality control. As well as working towards my work based learning targets for my EPA.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy studying while doing work relevant to your course. I find it more beneficial to do it this way.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes i have learnt many new skills through opportunities I wouldn't of had at uni. I can create processes to make products in our pilot plant. I can data analyse data correctly to pick up on any trends. I am confident in presenting my work. I know how to do various quality control measurements. I know how to work safely in the lab and plant at our site.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I have 2 days for university study a week and 3 days for work while the university year is running and then I work full time in the summer. Strathclyde has a great structure programme that allows me to do university alongside work. Any queries I have they always about the course they are always willing to make changes to improve peoples learning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Unilever are a greta employer and will give me extra time for university if I need it especially round exams. They also pay for any travel related to university. They also allocate 2 days a week to do uni. When working in teams they work projects round the time you have for work (3 days a week).
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Strathclyde has a great structure programme that allows me to do university alongside work. Any queries I have they always about the course they are always willing to make changes to improve peoples learning. i have quarterly catches up with a mentor to discuss the wbl learning side of the apprenticeship which I find helpful. The lecturers are also very helpful since they always answer any questions you have on the forum or in the live webinars.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I gained knowledge I wouldn't have without the degree, which helps me understand my work (when processing) and why products behave a certain way.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have done some demonstrations for other Unilever Factory teams, as well as be involved in STEM events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
While working at Unilever i have felt supported in my academic studies and work. I have been allowed to study while doing work relevant to my degree. I enjoy project work.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
Be yourself. Learn about what it is to be a chemical engineer (or what you're applying for) as well as why you have chosen this course over another. I also think any mentions of hobbies or extracurriculars are helpful.
