Apprentice Review

My day to day tasks involve researching topics for senior members of the firm to brief them before they go to meetings. I find this task very enjoyable as I am able to use my analytical skills. The research topics given to me are complex and require a great deal of analysis. I am always kept busy and every day is a different day in our team.

I have gathered a great deal of skills during my time on the programme. With each team I have experienced I have gathered a range of skills from communication, presentation, and analytical. I have further learnt how to be confident in my verbal communication skills through talking to clients and leading calls. This has helped me acquire skills that is transferable to any given department.

I enjoy working in KPMG. I think that the culture and the environment is fantastic and no two days are the same. However, I find that the programme can be quite challenging particularly the management team which comes in the way of my enjoyment. I feel that there are times when management can challenge you with very minor/trivial issues which can be bothersome when you are busy day with client related work. There are also communication issues between management and the apprentices. Many a time our questions and concerns are answered with a vague or shielded response followed by “we will update you soon”. We have recently all shared our concerns with regards to salary and were met with the same vague response. Overall, working in KPMG can be extremely enjoyable however working whilst in our programme can be challenging at best.

Our management within our different departments are extremely good at showing recognition to their employees through gifting vouchers and feedback. I can say that the recognition in KPMG as a whole is very good. However, the apprenticeship programme management do fail to recognise the achievements of their 360’s as is evident by their lack of clarity in our salary promotions. We do not feel valued as our experience is not being considered in salary related conversations. This is particularly true when taking in the fact that grads get paid more than we do even though we will have been in the firm 3 more years then they have. It’s also worth to note that no two apprentices will receive the same treatment from management.

In terms of structure of the management team, I think it is very clear and you can easily understand who to go to for what issue. With regards to the structure of the programme I feel that what has been previously promised to us in the beginning of the programme has not been fulfilled. Many of the apprentices feel that the management team are starting to rewind on some promises made in the beginning especially when considering salary. Any questions raised is always met with a vague answer and you are constantly put on hold. I can appreciate that this is the first year of the programme however it sometimes does genuinely feel that the management do not know what is to come in our future which is a very scary thought.

Our training provider is excellent and I am always confident when doing an exam. I feel that the tutors and performance coaches in BPP are always ready to help you when you need it. Furthermore, they provide recorded lectures on an online portal which means if you were to miss anything during your study days, you can always revisit it. The materials are also more than enough, they provide you with a study guide and a questions work book which allows you to go through the content with ease and understanding.

With regards to the support, our training provider does provide a lot of support in our educational journey. However, with regards to internal performance support this can definitely be improved. The structure of these PM meetings fails to stimulate a genuine honest conversation to promote and develop performance in the firm. I find that the programmes management can be quite selective in who they support. You have to be persistent and have to continue chasing management for support in a particular issue otherwise you simply will not get it. In terms of support from KPMG as an employer, separate from the programme, the support we are given is immense. There is a clear communication culture in the firm which promotes verbal communication between senior members of the firm and juniors so as to promote progression.

The apprentices have voiced their concerns with regards to salary as it is clear that the programme management do not know what this will be. As we progress into the programme, apprentices with 3 years’ experience within the firm will still be getting paid less than grads and possibly school leavers. Considering the living costs in London taking into consideration rent, food and utility bills, this is not ideal as it doesn’t leave apprentices with much disposable income if any.

There are many opportunities outside of work including our volunteering days. The firm allows up to 6 days for employees to offer voluntary work in approved charities. This is a nice break from ones day to day tasks. The firm also allows many opportunities such as seconding to other parts of the business and or including different areas of the world. Whilst Apprentices do not enjoy this, they will once they have passed through the programme.

Yes

KPMG, as a firm is a brilliant place to work. It is diverse and inclusive and promotes an honest culture which will aid an individual’s progression and performance. It is also important to note that there are many opportunities within the firm. The most positive aspect of this programme is that it is a rotational programme which allows you to explore different avenues. However, there is still much improvement to be made particularly in the management of this programme. At the moment, I will not recommend the programme however to work in KPMG is a fantastic opportunity.

Tips I would give to others applying for KPMG is to do your research. It is important to note down any key facts and information you know about KPMG when applying. It is further important to note down the values KPMG holds as they are essential to our company culture. If it helps, do try to give examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your interview.