Unilever is recruiting undergraduate students for its 2027 Technology Industrial Placement Programme in the UK, offering £27,898, hybrid working and 12 months of professional experience.
Background & Job Description
Unilever has opened applications for its 2027 Technology Industrial Placement Programme in the United Kingdom, offering undergraduate students an opportunity to gain practical experience in digital technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data analytics.
The 12-month programme is designed for students completing an industrial placement year as part of their university degree. Participants will contribute to real business projects, receive professional mentoring and develop technical skills while working with one of the world’s leading fast-moving consumer goods companies.
The placement begins in June 2027 and offers hybrid working arrangements at Unilever’s Kingston or Port Sunlight office, depending on the successful candidate’s location.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Unilever |
| Programme | Technology Industrial Placement |
| Job reference | R-1188417 |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| Work arrangement | Hybrid |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Start date | June 2027 |
| Advertised salary | £27,898 |
| Eligible applicants | Undergraduate students undertaking an industrial placement year |
| Application deadline | Rolling deadline; applications may close early |
| Official application | Apply through Unilever Careers |
Tasks
Students will work on technology-related projects supporting Unilever’s global operations, from manufacturing and distribution to digital marketing and consumer engagement.
Depending on their placement, participants may help develop cloud-based products, support IT systems and contribute to data analysis projects that deliver insights and recommendations to teams worldwide.
Other potential assignments include supporting the implementation of artificial intelligence in marketing campaigns, improving automation and helping develop digital capabilities that enhance consumer engagement and marketing performance.
The programme also offers exposure to cybersecurity, data ethics, technology systems and collaboration with teams across the business.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Education Requirements
Applicants must have completed the penultimate year of their undergraduate degree by the time the placement begins and must intend to return to university to continue their studies after the placement.
The programme is intended for students whose degree includes a 12-month industrial placement.
The supplied announcement does not specify a mandatory degree subject or minimum academic grade for this technology pathway.
Skills and Competencies
Unilever identifies the following skills as useful for applicants:
- Programming knowledge, including Python.
- Understanding of cloud hosting.
- Cybersecurity awareness.
- Knowledge of data ethics.
- Interest in artificial intelligence.
- Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint.
These are development areas rather than a requirement to have mastered every skill before joining. Unilever states that participants will continue developing their capabilities throughout the 12-month programme.
Candidates should also demonstrate strategic thinking, business awareness, curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Additional Information
Salary and Benefits
The advertised salary is £27,898.
Additional benefits include an end-of-placement bonus, subsidised gym membership where available, discounts at the staff shop and access to professional development opportunities.
Participants receive support from a dedicated buddy and an experienced line manager. They can also connect with Unilever graduates and join internal development groups focused on digital skills, community engagement, outreach and wellbeing.
The advertised holiday entitlement begins at 28 days pro rata, inclusive of bank holidays. After 12 worked weeks, the announcement states that entitlement increases to 33 days inclusive of bank holidays, pro rata for the placement period.
Work Location
The role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in the office.
Depending on location, students may be based at either the Kingston office or the Port Sunlight site in Wirral, United Kingdom.
Application Deadline
Applications opened on 28 September 2026. Unilever operates a rolling application process and advises candidates to apply as early as possible because applications may close once the available opportunities are filled.
No fixed closing date is specified in the official vacancy announcement.
How to Apply
Interested students should submit their applications through Unilever’s official recruitment website.
Apply for the Unilever Technology Industrial Placement Programme 2027
The selection process consists of five stages:
- Online application and interactive industrial placement simulation.
- Numerical and verbal reasoning assessments.
- Digital video interview.
- Virtual pre-screening interview.
- In-person Discovery Centre involving interviews and business-related challenges.
Candidates progress to the next stage only if successful in the preceding stage.
Unilever advises applicants to apply for only one function, as only the first application submitted will be considered.
For application questions or requests for reasonable adjustments, contact futurecareers.recruitment@unilever.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Unilever Technology Industrial Placement Programme 2027?
It is a 12-month work placement that provides undergraduate students with practical experience in technology, cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital business operations.
2. How much does Unilever pay placement students?
The advertised salary is £27,898.
3. When does the programme start?
The programme is scheduled to begin in June 2027.
4. Who can apply?
Undergraduate students who have completed their penultimate year by the placement start date and will return to university afterwards can apply.
5. Which technical skills are useful?
Python programming, cloud hosting, cybersecurity, data ethics, artificial intelligence and Microsoft Office skills are identified as useful starting capabilities.
6. Where is the placement based?
The placement is hybrid, with at least three office days each week at either Kingston or Port Sunlight in Wirral, depending on the candidate’s location.
7. Is there a fixed application deadline?
No fixed closing date is specified. Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close early.
8. Does Unilever use AI to screen applicants?
The announcement states that Unilever does not use AI as a screening tool in its recruitment process and that digital interview submissions are reviewed by a real person.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This placement may suit undergraduate students interested in technology, software development, data analytics, cloud systems and artificial intelligence. Its salary, hands-on project experience and structured mentoring make it a useful opportunity for students seeking industry experience before graduation.
Applicants should confirm that their degree includes an industrial placement year, ensure they can return to university afterwards and submit their applications early.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external career and internship opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Unilever and does not manage recruitment or selection decisions. Applicants should verify all requirements through the official Unilever Careers website.
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