360 Apprentice Review

As part of the 360 programme I rotate around business units within KPMG. Therefore my role on a day to day basis depends on what team I am in. However my role is to support and work as an assistant to higher level grades within the firm. Helping to assist with client support and making sure we meet deadlines and agreements. We are given a variety of work, however this helps to understand how the firm works to meet client needs.

As part of the 360 programme we work towards AAT level 3 in our first year in the firm. Therefore I have learnt a lot from taking these exams. We also attend internal training courses put on by the learning and development team at KPMG when we join a new business unit. Therefore I have attended Tax and Audit Training. I have also learnt a lot of skills via on the job training and how to use programmes that KPMG use. The biggest skill I have improved is being able to speak to clients over the phone.

The programme is very enjoyable as you meet so many new people as you rotate around the business and join new teams. There are a lot of social nights out with the teams which is good to network with people. The people that work for KPMG are very friendly and easy to get along with which makes the programme more enjoyable.

I feel very valued at KPMG. I have been here 7 months and have received really good feedback from people I have worked with. I have also received internal rewards for the quality of my work and service to clients. Therefore this makes me feel very valued as it shows my hard work is appreciated by more senior members of staff.

The programme is very well structured, as there is a clear path within the firm along with the qualifications you take as you progress through the apprenticeship with KPMG. We also receive support not only from Internal 360 team but our external training provider for our exams. Therefore overall the programme has been very well organised and structured.

The level of support we receive from our training provider is decent. There are performance support team that email us to make sure we are doing ok with our revision and make sure we are completing the achievement step ladders of the training providers website. We also have a forum where we can ask the tutor any questions if we start during our revision.

We receive a lot of support from the 360 management team. They are always sending us emails. We also meet with our performance managers regularly and our people leader from time to time to make sure we are doing well on the programme. If we have any problems they are there to answer any questions or queries.

The salary is very respectable for a first year apprentice coming straight out of A levels. KPMG also give us a lunch allowance each day which helps with costs. Any expenses we occur are also paid back to us by submitting a form. Lastly KPMG also pay for our training and qualifications which saves us money.

There are many opportunities outside of work, such as sport clubs and other religious groups to join. There are also networking events you can attend and you also receive 5 days in the year where you can volunteer for the day outside of work.

Yes

I would definitely recommend KPMG to a friend as the programme allows you to gain a huge wealth of knowledge across many different sectors. Not only do you get to experience all aspects of KPMG's work you also do many qualifications along the programme which puts you in good steed for the future.

Before I Joined the programme I thought it was solely Audit, Tax and Advisory. However there are many more options such as Tech, project management, Management consulting and Actuarial routes within KPMG. Therefore you can gain experience of all of the areas and then pick which one suites you best.