Unilever launches apprenticeship scheme for south-east England

Unilever has announced the launch of new apprenticeship schemes that will provide employment opportunities for more than 20 young people from south-east England.

The new Advanced Business Administration apprenticeship and Advanced and Higher IT apprenticeship initiatives will last between 18 months and two years depending on the level, with participants set to receive pay and qualifications, as well as the opportunity to gain a permanent placement.

Successful applicants will join the company later this year and will be based at its UK head office in Leatherhead, Kingston and its global headquarters in London.

This announcement underlines the firm's commitment to providing work opportunities for young people, which has earned it recognition from the National Apprenticeship Service as a top 100 apprenticeship employer.

It also comes in the same week that Unilever apprentice Sam Roberts was invited to the Houses of Parliament to speak to MPs and peers about the success of the company's training programmes.

Tim Munden, vice-president for HR at Unilever UK and Ireland, said: "Apprenticeships are a great way for a company to build their talent for the future, particularly in areas where we suffer from skills shortages."