Level 6 R&D Packaging Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Colworth, Bedfordshire

UNILEVER U.K. CENTRAL RESOURCES LIMITED

Bedford, MK44 1LQ

Closes on Wednesday 29 January

Posted on 28 October 2024

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Summary

Would you like to work with and learn from the biggest brands in the world, bringing your purpose to life with your work? Together, we can feel good about the work we do every day. As a Packaging Research and Development Apprentice, you will be part of a team leading the way in developing new sustainable packaging and products.

Annual wage
£23,600 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm.

40 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 8 September

Duration

5 years

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

  • You will have the opportunity to work in different packaging functions to develop your skills
  • This will include, working in testing laboratory where you'll work with various pieces of equipment and refine your understanding of our different test methods and practises. This helps ensure our pack designs are suitable for our Supply Chain and provide our consumers with the in-use experience they expect
  • You’ll also experience more management and development work as you rotate through our Packaging Excellence, Design, Sustainability and Brand Innovation teams
  • Here you will get to work on new packaging design/technology projects from concept to launch, collaborating with different teams within Unilever to deliver a high quality, sustainable, desirable pack to market

Where you’ll work

Colworth House

Colworth Laboratory

Sharnbrook

Bedford

MK44 1LQ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Your training course

Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents
  • Translate customer briefs to determine a technical packaging brief, which considers business, consumer, operational and sustainability requirements.
  • Identify, design, develop and source packaging solutions demonstrating best value, environmental impact and fitness for purpose to meet briefs.
  • Critically analyse and apply packaging design options against complex inter-related touchpoints to meet the needs from design to end of life, e.g. environmental impact using life cycle assessment.
  • Liaise and coordinate with other stakeholders (e.g. supplier, R&D, marketing, finance, technical) to deliver packaging development projects. When appropriate take the lead and drive the project.
  • Initiate and lead projects, using project management tools and skills to deliver projects to time, cost, specification and quality.
  • Identify and control project risks through mitigation plans.
  • Define parameters, design of experiments, success criteria and protocols for projects appropriate to the brief.
  • Lead the design and management of packaging trials (e.g. prototypes, production of samples, transit, shelf life, sensory, machine-ability).
  • Document and evaluate trials at different project stages (e.g. laboratory, pilot plant, supplier, filling and packing, transit and distribution) recommending further activities.
  • Report results and conclusions. Hypothesise and recommend further adaptions and optimisations.
  • Ensure compliance with packaging and market regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrate financial acumen, e.g. managing budget(s); interpreting financial data and evaluating total product costs and their impact throughout the value chain.
  • Investigate and interpret non-conformance issues related to Packaging. Resolve using root cause analysis and apply change management.
  • Effectively communicate with stakeholders at different levels, building positive working relationships; influencing and persuading key stakeholders effectively.
  • Translate business strategy into internal and external capability building programmes (e.g. supplier quality improvement programmes).
  • Demonstrate critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills to evaluate and interpret complex information and data (e.g. process capability).
  • Proactively identify opportunities to improve packaging based on an analysis of costs, continuous improvement, environmental impact, waste avoidance and process improvements.
  • Provide comprehensive technical services to internal colleagues, customers and suppliers.
  • Coach and/or mentor.
  • Use visual and digital tools systems, e.g. project management, computer aided engineering, business management systems, palletisation software.

    • Your training plan

    • As an  apprentice, you’ll receive on-the-job training and experience in an administrative position along with formal training to gain the knowledge and skills you’ll need to support our business operations
    • You’ll join a team with a dedicated line manager committed to enhancing your career experiences
    • You will receive the BSc in Packaging Technology (integrated degree) upon completion of this programme

    Requirements

    Essential qualifications

    A Level or equivalent in:

    • 3 subjects, including 2 STEM subjects (grade BBC or above)
    • English and Maths (grade 4/C or above)

    Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

    Skills

    • Communication skills
    • Attention to detail
    • Organisation skills
    • Problem solving skills
    • Team working
    • Creative

    Other requirements

    Please note: we open for applications once a year and work on a rolling basis, which means that as soon as we reach the required number of applications, we will close the process for that role/business area. Therefore, we advise applying as early as possible once applications go live to avoid disappointment.

    About this company

    Unilever are one of the world's largest fast-moving consumer goods companies, meaning we own, make & sell products that people use in their everyday lives. We own over 400 brands found in homes all over the world – including iconic global brands such as Dove, Lifebuoy, and Magnum. Our apprenticeship programmes allow people from all backgrounds to find their purpose and rise to their full potential, whilst learning invaluable skills and earning a wage. ​​​​​​​​​​​ All our programmes offer you on the job experience and formal training to give you the knowledge and skills to fire-up your career and give you the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised qualifications.

    https://careers.unilever.com/uk-apprenticeships (opens in new tab)

    Company benefits

    • A pension Scheme • A discounted staff shop • Shares • 25 days of holiday allowance

    Disability Confident

    Disability Confident

    A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

    You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

    After this apprenticeship

    • Good chances of progression to temporary/permanent employment

    Ask a question

    The contact for this apprenticeship is:

    SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

    The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000284343.

    Apply now

    Closes on Wednesday 29 January

    When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

    After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

    Company’s application instructions

    Apply online through our website!