Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice on KPMGs rotational programme which means that every 6 months I rotate around the firm and experience different departments. My role includes on the job training by helping out my team doing mostly junior level tasks on client projects. Usually I complete the first stage of the project and then the managers will take over and review my work and complete the next stage.

I am currently completing AAT Level 3 qualification and have gained an introduction to accounting and bookkeeping. This has been useful as it has offered an overview of accounting and enables you to move on next level, both in work and your studies. I have improved my excel skills which have been valuable for my placements, this was done by attending a internal training course. I also had to help out with an induction programme as part of a placement which helped my improve my professional skills in terms of communicating with higher grades.

I enjoy the programme as I have met some great friends who are part of my cohort. The culture of the company has been a great surprise,as I wasn't expecting to enter such a diverse and welcoming atmosphere. I think KPMG has exceeded my expectations in terms of acceptance and support, as I have had personal circumstances that make me different to the average apprentice. KPMG accepted my situation and do what they can do support me.

I have felt valued by my placement managers as they have always commented on how they appreciate my work and they praise me if it has been done to a good standard. My first placement made me feel very welcome and part of the team and made an effort to celebrate my time there before I moved on to my next placement. This was very humbling and greatly appreciated. As my placements progress I always find I have greater involvement in projects, as my mangers have a better sense of my ability and trust my judgement. However, this comes with time and does not happen straight away.

The induction of the programme was very helpful and thorough because it covered lots of different topics that be useful for when we joined our first placements. The fact it was done over a full week, meant it allowed us to get to know the other apprentices in our cohort; we wouldn't have had this opportunity once we all get split up and sent off to our placements. The support given by the programme is very good. The first years have a great PM who will always help us if we need it. We have several points of contact within the management team which is useful as we always have someone to turn to, depending on the topic of our question.

There is lots of support given my KPMG and BPP. There is lots of online support materials that are useful for studying and getting exam practice. By completing all of these online materials, they make you feel better prepared for the exam. The BPP tutors have always been warm and friendly and happy to answer any question you have, whether that be in the classroom or during the run up to an exam. There has always been a great general attitude to support during our studies, both from KPMG and BPP.

There is a lot of support from KPMG. I have had personal circumstances that have affected my working hours. The management have helped put in place several things that have enable me to stay in work and continue with my career and studies. They have made sure that even though my circumstances make different to other apprentices, I will have the same opportunities as them. This has been greatly appreciated.

I think the salary does meet costs, as it is enough for travel and living costs. However, I think if you don't live with your parents then the salary may not be enough compared to London living prices. I think the salary should be calculated in line with how much it costs on average to live in London and average travel costs, such as a season ticket for an average person with a commute consisting of 1 train and 1 tube.

There are opportunities at KPMG. For example, KPMG offer 6 days for volunteering which is very impressive. There is also a team dedicated to finding you these opportunities and can offer advice if you are unsure of how to go about choosing and organising where you want to volunteer. KPMG also has lots of discount opportunities for its employees, meaning you can enjoy leisure activities outside of work, especially with your family and friends.

Yes

I think the school leaver programme offers great opportunities and support, especially as this will often be your first job coming straight from school. We are still learning and adapting to a completely new environment so that high level of support is very important and valuable. Also, the chance to experience different parts of the firm is helpful as it enables you to learn more about KPMG as a firm and what the different departments do on a day to day basis. Additionally, it allows great networking opportunities which is very important.

I think my main advice for the interview process is to be well prepared but to also be yourself, as there is no point pretending to be someone you're not because once you join the firm you'll find yourself unstuck. Also, at the assessment day it is important to get to know everyone in your group as these people will be part of your cohort and will make your first day a lot easier as you will see some familiar faces. A lot of people found they joined the same friendship groups as people in their assessment day.