Register Your Interest - Food Professional Degree Apprenticeship 2027

What is the job?

Unilever’s purpose is to create a brighter future with you and for you and that journey starts in Research & Development (R&D).

In R&D, you’ll explore new ways our products can improve people’s lives and benefit the planet. You’ll learn what consumers want and help turn ideas into real innovations. As an R&D apprentice, you’ll follow a structured programme that lets you apply your scientific knowledge in practical, hands‑on work while studying for your degree.

What do we look for?

As an R&D degree apprentice, we look for strong communication skills both verbal and written as apprentices may be required to write reports, emails or give presentations. The world of food research and development is always evolving and being adaptable and flexible with a willingness to learn new things is key. Problem‑solving skills, showing the ability to analyse situations, think critically, and propose possible solutions are key strengths in the R&D environment. Good team working skills are important, as a global R&D centre we often work in cross‑functional teams and across regions of the globe. Being able to collaborate with your team harmoniously is paramount. Good time management skills are also important, you must be able to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and show initiative without needing constant supervision.

Above all have a passion for food and an enthusiasm for learning.

What could your day‑to‑day look like?

Our apprentices follow a structured and stimulating academic programme to achieve a BSc Honours degree in Foods Science & Technology aligned to the Foods Professional degree apprentice standard, as well as working on real projects with world‑renowned scientists that deliver to some of the 2.5 billion consumers who use a Unilever product every day.

As an R&D Degree Apprentice, you will work with the Colworth Research & Development Product team, leading the way in developing new great tasting drinks. Over the 5 years you will study for a BSc while experiencing working in different aspects of Research & Development working on real projects, leading the way in developing new great tasting drinks, this could see you spending time on projects like:

• Developing new products for the global market
• Delivering world class innovations in great tasting drinks
• Working on sustainable ideas, new science and great inventions helping Unilever remain competitive in a global market

Alongside working on real projects for our millions of global consumers, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues, working with different teams and partners to gain knowledge and skills that will help you develop into a Unilever R&D Food Professional.

What support do we offer?

You will be allocated a buddy from our existing apprentices, who will support you during your first year with us. We also have a vibrant and supportive apprentice community at our site, and they arrange socials and charity events for you to get involved in.

What can Unilever offer YOU?

• A Competitive Salary of £25,000
• A Benefits Envelope which has a notional value of 25% of your pensionable earnings. Use it to save for your pension, get extra taxable pay or both.
• A discounted staff shop
• Subsidised Gym Memberships - availability varies by site
• Shares
• 25 days of holiday allowance
• Opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.
• Opportunity to join one of our Future Careers Development Teams such as Outreach, Digi, Community & Wellbeing and many more! By joining a team, you can grow business-critical skills, develop Unilever Behaviours, and make a meaningful contribution to Future Careers.

To find out more about Future Careers at Unilever UK, check out our Instagram page!

At Unilever, diversity is about embracing differences, championing inclusion, creating possibilities, and growing together for better business performance. Join our vibrant and inclusive workplace that champions diversity and inclusion.

We give full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

We are a key advocate of well‑being and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes, and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

• Duration: 5 years
• Requirements: Have GCSEs including English Language and Maths at grade 5 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 Available: Hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week at Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook (Bedfordshire), with one day spent at university, although this may vary depending on role responsibilities and line manager discretion.

Application process

Stage 1 – Online Application: Complete the online application form and tell us about your motivation for choosing Unilever and your selected apprenticeship programme.

Stage 2 – Online Assessments: Situational judgement test which gives you realistic hypothetical scenarios where you will be asked to identify the most appropriate response. You will also complete a numerical reasoning assessment, an online test that measures your ability to interpret and draw conclusions from numerical data and verbal reasoning assessment an online test that measures your ability to understand and evaluate written information.

Stage 3 – Video Interview: Candidates who perform well in the online assessments will be invited to complete a video interview.

Stage 4 – In person discovery centre: In person discovery centre immersing yourself in new business challenges and an interview.

• Applications open: Monday 9 November 2026
• Applications close: This is a rolling deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment in case applications close early.
• Discovery Centres: TBC

Do you require any adjustments in the application or assessment process?

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:

About Unilever

We are Unilever. A Better business. A better world. A better you. We are 128,000 people worldwide, with many recognisable brands in over 190 countries. We are a global company with the purpose of ‘Brightening everyday life for all’.

This score is based on honest feedback written by students who’ve worked at Unilever.