KPMG360 Apprentice Review

As part of the KPMG360 programme, apprentices rotate around the business, completing placement sin Audit, Tax and Advisory. Whilst completing these placements, the apprentices fully integrate within the team and complete tasks similar to those that would be expected from new-joining graduates. I currently work within Corporate Tax and my day-to-day activities include engagement set-ups, computations and client correspondence.

Yes, I have learnt a wide variety of skills. Firstly, I have completed my level 3 AAT and am currently progressing through level 4. On-the-job, I have learnt how to use many of the different software that are used throughout KPMG and I have also become more competent in my role within Tax.

I have definitely started to enjoy the programme a lot more since specialising in Corporate Tax as I now feel like a permanent member of a team. I feel like I am not treated any differently to graduates.

I feel particularly valued within my team as my workload is starting to increase and I can feel that I am more trusted. I think there is starting to become more of an emphasis on apprenticeships and more understanding of what we can do. I do still feel, however, that more needs to be done so that EVERYONE is aware of the programme and our capabilities.

I think the programme is becoming more structured, however, I feel that some of the information relevant to my cohort is not very well organised or communicated. I understand that this is because we are the first cohort and so, we are the trailblazers, however, I feel some communication, particularly regarding qualifications, could be handled better.

I feel that the support from BPP is quite varied. There are many different channels we can use should we need extra support, however, I very rarely use these. There are often issues with the progress steps and sometimes the reply time can be quite lengthy but on the whole I am impressed with BPP. I much prefer the in-centre tuition as opposed to the online or recorded tuition, however, this may just be a personal preference.

I feel that I receive ample support from my employer, from study leave to a general empathy around exams and studying. They are also there, should we need to contact them regarding any personal circumstances we encounter.

This is one area that I feel could do with some adjustment. Although we are paid significantly higher than the average apprentice, we are nowhere near paid as much as graduates who are performing similar, if not lower skilled jobs than we do. At KPMG, there is a grading system and although apprentices are graded in a similar way to graduates, our pay is not aligned to match.

I feel that there are many opportunities outside of work and I feel I am very lucky to have been offered the opportunities that I have done so far. I have had many chances to speak publicly, both internally and externally, which has definitely raised my profile and boosted my confidence. There are also many opportunities to network and socialise.

Yes

Overall, I have had a fantastic start to my career at KPMG and am very grateful for the opportunities that I have had. I didn't want to go to university and didn't think it was possible to progress and smash the 'glass ceiling' without a degree. KPMG has made this possible and I feel that I can excel in my career despite not having a degree. Since joining, I have realised that a degree will not hinder my profession and I feel, even as a school-leaver, I have been able to slot into the workforce within KPMG.

Research the different areas within KPMG and try and gauge what area you would prefer to work in. Look at all the entry routes into KPMG and make sure that you have selected the most appropriate for you.