Packaging Professional Apprenticeship - UK and Ireland

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. 

As a Packaging Research & Development Apprentice, you’ll join a team leading the way in creating sustainable packaging and products. You’ll rotate across different functions, building skills in Packaging Excellence, Design, Sustainability and Innovation project delivery, all while studying for a Packaging BSc from Sheffield Hallam University. The course gives you a solid understanding of how the packaging industry works today, how the supply chain fits together, and how to apply new ideas to tackle key industry challenges. 

You’ll explore the latest trends shaping the future of packaging, including sustainability and alternative materials, and gain a deep understanding of areas such as raw material conversion, barrier properties, marketing and presentation. By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed the modern, in‑demand skills needed to help move the packaging and retail industries forward. 

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 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 do we offer? 

Throughout your apprenticeship you will work closely with a work-based mentor who will support you 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. 

What can Unilever off YOU? 

• A Competitive Salary of £25,000 

• A pension Scheme  

• 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 wellbeing 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 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 Available 

Hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week at Port Sunlight (Wirral) office, 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 

Start date  

September 2027