Research & Development Apprenticeships

Our purpose is to create a brighter future with you and for you. That future begins in Research and Development (R&D). If you want to develop into your best self while being part of a global organisation that can take you in any direction you choose, this is for you.

There are always new ways for our products to improve the lives of our consumers and have a positive impact on the planet. In R&D you'll find out what consumers want and develop the technology to make our innovations come to life. Unilever R&D apprentices follow a structured programme that allows you to put your science education and passion into practice while getting a degree.

We are closed for applications for 2020, but you can find out more about our Research and Development Apprenticeships below

Level 3 Apprenticeship Programmes

The programme lasts four years and as a Research & Development Refreshment Level 3 Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced engineering colleagues and with Research & Development Refreshment teams to support the manufacture of tea based drinks and ice cream products at pilot plant scale.

Duration
48 months
Requirements
Have at least 6 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 5 or above – including Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and English either obtained or predicted.
Locations available
Colworth (Bedfordshire)

Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship Programmes

Chemical Engineering apprentices will work as part of the Advanced Manufacturing Centre pilot plant team in Unilever Research & Development Port Sunlight, delivering high quality product innovations to support Unilever’s Home and Personal Care category innovation programmes. While doing this they will study part time at the University of Chester towards a BEng degree in chemical engineering.
Duration
60 months
Requirements
Have or are predicted 3 A Levels or equivalent at Grade B or above, 2 of which should be in the following subjects; Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths (or further Maths).
Have GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grade 5 or above.
Locations available
Port Sunlight (Wirral)

As a Data Scientist Degree Apprentice you will contribute to the development of new models and computational tools, to assess the safety and sustainability of Unilever products, working with world-class experts across a range of discipline from Informaticians, Modellers, Chemists, to Toxicologists and Biologists.
Duration
60 months
Requirements
Have or are predicted 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above including Maths and another STEM subject (preferably in Biology/chemistry)
Have at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including Maths, English and either IT or Science.
Locations available
Colworth (Bedfordshire) and Port Sunlight (Wirral)

As a Research & Development Refreshment Degree Apprentice, you will work with R&D Refreshment teams leading the way in developing new products in Beverages and Ice Cream. Over the 5 years you will study for a BSc in Foods Science while experiencing working in different aspects of Research & Development.
Duration
60 months
Requirements
Have or are predicted 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above, 2 of which should be in STEM subjects (e.g. Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, further Maths).
Have at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including Maths, English and at least 2 STEM subjects
Locations available
Colworth (Befordshire)

Laboratory Science apprentices in Unilever will apply specific knowledge and a wide scientific understanding to carry out a range of technical and scientific activities. You will help to support the R&D development of new products across a number of our different categories.
Duration
60 months
Requirements
Have or are predicted 3 A Levels or equivalent at Grade B or above, 2 of which should be in the following subjects; Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths (or further Maths).
Have GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grade 5 or above.
Locations available
Port Sunlight (Wirral)

As a Packaging Research & Development Refreshment Apprentice, you will be a part of the Global Refreshment Packaging team leading the way in developing new sustainable packaging and products within the Beverages and Ice Cream categories. You will have the opportunity to work in different packaging functions to develop your skills in Packaging Excellence, Design, Sustainability and Innovation project delivery.
Duration
60 months
Requirements
Have or are predicted 3 A Levels or equivalent at Grade B or above, 2 of which should be in STEM subjects (e.g. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, further Maths).
Have at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including Maths, English and at least 2 STEM subjects.
Locations available
Colworth (Bedfordshire)

Port Sunlight (Wirral)

As a Mechanical Design Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will work as part of the R&D team which provides processing engineering & automation solutions to support new products innovations, cost saving, waste reduction as well as sustainability and quality improvement.
Duration
60 months
Requirements
Have or are predicted 3 A Levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above including Maths and another STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) related subject.
Have 5 GCSE's at Grade 5 or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject.
Locations available
Colworth (Bedfordshire)