Skip to main content
Two people in conversation at a table in a modern office environment.

Packaging Professional Apprenticeship - UK and Ireland

As we receive a high volume of applications, please make sure to read the job descriptions on our website carefully and apply for the ONE function you are most interested in. Only your first application will be considered.

Ready to Explore? Ready to Grow? Unilever’s Apprenticeship Programme is Calling You!

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.  

From the engineers in our factories to the scientists in our R&D sites, and from our Customer Development teams working with retailers to our Marketing teams building iconic brands, our apprentices bring fresh ideas that help us meet the everyday needs of our consumers

Applications are now closed for our 2026 intake but watch this space and follow @unilevercareersuk on Instagram for more information 


Follow Us!

Job description

What is the job?

As a Packaging Research and Development Apprentice, you will be part of a team leading the way in developing new sustainable packaging and products. You will have the opportunity to work in different packaging functions to develop your skills in Packaging Excellence, Design, Sustainability and Innovation project delivery while getting a packaging BSc from Sheffield Hallam University.

What do we look for?

We are looking for enthusiastic, creative & curious individuals who want to be part of changing the future of packaging. Successful candidates will need to work both independently and as part of a team and feel comfortable with embracing new technology to continuously improve how we work. You will need to be adaptable to take on diverse aspects of the packaging role and participate constructively to solving problems.

What could your day-to-day role look like?

As a packaging apprentice you will have the opportunity of working in different stages of the packaging development process. You could be part of a creative session to explore new packaging concepts or working to bring new ideas to life through prototyping and obtaining physical samples. You could be working to help ensure that new packaging solutions are fit for purpose by validating them in out testing laboratory or running trials through our simulated manufacturing facility. Once you have the final packaging agreed you will be working with the innovation teams to bring them to market, collaborating with packaging suppliers and our manufacturing sites to ensure that we can produce millions of them to the desired quality, sustainability profile and cost that our consumers desire.

What support will you receive during your apprenticeship?

Throughout your apprenticeship you will work closely with a work-based mentor who will support your through your apprenticeship journey. As well as helping to organise your work-based activities, they will take an active part in supporting your university programme, holding regular review sessions with the university learning mentor to ensure that your work-based programme complements the University objectives.

Duration

5 years

Requirements

Have 5 GCSEs including English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above. Have or are predicted a minimum of 3 A-levels or equivalent with grades of BBC or above including 2 STEM subjects.

Locations

Port Sunlight (Wirral) office.

What can Unilever offer you?

  • A Competitive Salary of £18,841
  • A pension Scheme
  • A discounted staff shop
  • Subsidised Gym Memberships
  • Shares
  • 25 days of holiday allowance

Discovery Centres

18th and 19th February 2026

Closing date

This is a rolling deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment in case applications close early.
If you have any questions about your application or if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to complete any part of the application process, please contact the Future Careers Team. If you would like to discuss any mitigating circumstances before making an application, please also contact the team using the following contact details: futurecareers.recruitment@unilever.com.

Application process

  • Step 1: Online Application

    Complete the online application form and tell us all about your motivation for choosing Unilever and your selected programme. It is a simple and easy process.

    1

  • Step 2: Online Assessments

    Upon successful completion of your application form, you will be invited to complete a numerical and verbal reasoning assessment alongside a situational judgement test, which gives you realistic, hypothetical scenarios where you will be asked to identify the most appropriate response.

    2

  • Step 3: Discovery Centre

    You will be invited to spend a day with us in person, immersing yourself in Unilever business challenges.

    3

Apply now

To apply for any of our UK and Ireland Apprenticeships, you'll be redirected to an external application platform where you can register and complete your application for your selected apprenticeship.

Apply to a UK and Ireland apprenticeship

Join our talent network

Make sure you see job opportunities when they become available. Just leave details here to stay up to date with jobs that suit you and your skills.


* Indicates required field

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Search for a location and select one from the list of suggestions. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

By signing up, I acknowledge that I have read Unilever's privacy notice, and that I wish to receive email and SMS communications. I understand that I can opt out of receiving email and SMS communications at any time.

Already a Member? Sign in

Connect with us

We're always looking to connect, find out more on our social channels.

Contact us

Get in touch with Unilever PLC and specialist teams in our headquarters, or find contacts around the world.

Contact us