KPMG 360 Apprentice Review

I am currently on the KPMG 360 programme, this involves rotating throughout the business across many different departments to build your skills and knowledge. On a day to day basis it involves being flexible and working at a high level. On the programme no day is like the previous and you face new challenges each day.

I have learnt numerous skills while being on the 360 programme. It has allowed me to be more confident and has help develop my presentation skills. Additionally I have become proficient in using the Microsoft packages. I am currently studying for a level 4 higher qualification which has definitely made me more competent in accounting. The firm has made it their priority to offer junior members across the firm lots of internal and external training courses which has help aid my development.

KPMG is a wonderful company to work for and has a great work culture. In my experiences the teams that I have worked for have been very welcoming and helpful and the work has been stimulating and sometimes challenging in a positive way. The programme met my expectations and has allowed me to build on the skills I currently have. I enjoy the programme very much as I have been able to work it a lot of different areas in the business.

I feel valued by KPMG and my teams and get a lot of appreciation from my managers. Internal recognition is good at the company, however you have to be exceptional or do something exceptional to get this recognition on a higher level. As a junior member in the team you do get involved in projects however its for you to determine how involved you want to get and preform well so you're given more responsibility. In the teams that I have worked in I felt valued as managers like to verbally express when they feel you have done something very well.

As the 360 programme is still quite new the organisation and structure of the programme is not yet at the stage it should be. It still needs work in some areas. There is still a lot of uncertainty and issues that are arising along the journey. However it has been communicate that this would be sorted out. Task delegation and team hierarchy has not been the best as the programme is still not known by other areas of the business. In some cases the team doesn't know the ins and outs of the programme and therefore find it hard to determine what tasks they want to delegate to you.

The support that you receive from the training provider varies and is dependent on how much support you request from them I think. I have had some good tutors and have had some ok tutors and so its really does depend. Accessibility of support could be better as it is still unclear the amount of support you have access to. The general attitude is good in many cases as if you ask for the support you will receive it. It has been a good experience working with out training provider however there still is room for improvement.

Again support is dependent on how much support you request from the employer. If you request support from your manager or mentor I am sure they will be delighted to help, however it isn't like the support is forced upon you. The attitude towards supporting us is a good one, management of the programme has a pretty positive attitude towards supporting us.

As an apprentice working in London the salary is in need of improvement. Living costs and travel costs in London are quite high and unfortunately the salary doesn't reflect this. Daily costs and social costs is high however that is more dependent on how well you manage these costs. We were told that on this programme we are offered a market competitive salary however from talking to peers on other apprenticeship schemes in London it would seem that the KPMG 360 is behind on this aspect. Therefore the salary package is in need of improvement to meet the costs of being an apprentice in London.

KPMG gives us loads of opportunities outside of work. The company hosts lots of internal and external events. We are very much encouraged to give back to our communities. Leisure and sports clubs are a big thing and we have access to many and also are encouraged to create our own. When I am not working I take advantage of the gym or other sports clubs.

Yes

Because its a fantastic opportunity, where you get to experience different areas of the business before being asked to stay in one place. It will give you a solid foundation for your later career. However I would also tell them that if its a high salary or reward package you are looking for then you might want to try other options as KPMG 360 doesn't currently offer the highest or a high reward package.

Show passion in your interviews, make sure you pay attention to the detail in the application process. Always prepare and put in as much effort as you possibly can. Do further reading on the company and programme so you're prepared for the interviews.