Case Study: Hayley Chard
Apprenticeship Scheme: Business and Administration 2013
Date Graduated: August 2014
Current Role/Job Title: Customer Account Manager
Why did you initially apply for the Unilever Apprenticeship scheme/what attracted you to apply?
I had applied for numerous apprenticeships when I was coming to the end of high school as I knew I wanted to go down the apprenticeship route rather than the university route. Unilever is one of the biggest FMCGs in the UK which is instantly an attraction. I loved the brands they made and culture they seemed to portray. I felt that I could really fit in there so decided to apply to the scheme.
Did you ever consider the university route, or did you always want to do an Apprenticeship?
I always had it set in my mind that I was going to do an apprenticeship, I had had a few jobs whilst at high school and loved the fact I was earning money. I wasn’t keen on the debt that I was going to be in if I had chosen the university route so the idea of doing a job where you learnt to become something whilst earning money was a real attraction.
How has your apprenticeship benefitted you? What skills did you learn?
My time at Unilever has benefitted me massively, I have become more confident and have learnt how a business works. I have been very lucky with the roles I have had because they have given me exposure to all sorts of departments and customers. I have developed my people skills, networking skills, commercial skills and even my excel and computer skills! The list is endless of what I have gained from taking this route.
How have you used those skills to further your career? How has your apprenticeship helped you in the role you are now in?
In the roles I was doing as an apprentice I was learning the fundamentals to a job, I was learning the basics because coming straight from high school you have never been in this type of environment before therefore you need to start at the bottom. It also helped me understand what Unilever could offer me in terms of career, I could move departments, work with different categories or customers.
Give a brief overview of your career journey since completing your apprenticeship.
I joined Unilever starting in Supply Chain where I was a Team Assistant and PA to the Customer Service and Distribution teams. After 9 months I then decided that I wanted to broaden my experience so moved into Customer Development where I completed a Product Data Specialist role.
I then finished my apprenticeship after a year and became a permeant employee. I moved into the OOH Ice Cream team as Commercial Executive and worked there for a year. I was then promoted to Senior Commercial Executive where I moved into the Discounters channel. I did that for 6 months and then in January 2016 become a Customer Account Manager.
Has your apprenticeship at Unilever changed the way you think about your future career?
Yes definitely, it has opened my eyes to the many different roles there are and how different departments work together. I also feel I know a lot about the industry and the retailers I work with which in turn makes me think about the range of opportunities I have as I further my career.
What has your apprenticeship taught you? What is the biggest lesson you have learned?
I would say that my commercial acumen has increased massively, it is the sort of thing you don’t learn at school. It is also the sort of learning that you can take anywhere and it will always be of use regardless of the company you work for or industry you are in.
What advice would you give to somebody wanting to apply for an apprenticeship at Unilever?
Don’t be worried about starting at the bottom and working your way up, we all have to start somewhere! Show your passion and determination to get to the place you want to be, enthusiasm is key.
