Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice as part of KPMG's 360 programme. The nature of the programme involves me rotating around different departments and business areas to gain insight and experience. As such, the typical day varies greatly on the placement. During my first placement in the FS Transfer Pricing department in Tax, this would involve supporting the team in editing and creating documentation, whilst mainly interacting and working with the team.

On the whole, I believe a key skill that this apprenticeships has taught me is to operate outside of my comfort zone, particularly given that it is in a business environment which is not natural for a school leaver. I have also managed to develop my organisational and teamwork skills, which are some of the most important skills.

I find that my enjoyment of the programme depends on which placement I am in. My first placement was one that had mixed enjoyment, as I enjoyed working with the team, but the lack of appropriate work for apprentices due to the level of technical skill required in the department was disparaging. I have just started my current placement, although I anticipate that I will not enjoy it very much. Despite this, I believe that given a placement suitable to me, many of the other factors provide me with a basis to enjoy the work.

I feel quite valued by KPMG, as they provide many incentives and support to help me feel comfortable and at ease. Management tend to be supportive and staff tend to very kind. Recognition and involvement are always raised whenever possible, therefore it cannot be heavily faulted.

The programme is well organised in some places and disorganised in parts. It is particularly well structured in that apprentices get a good amount of time (6 months) per placement and that they receive amazing training resources and a great insight into the business. There are pitfalls however, as not all placements are suitable for apprentices to be fully developed and utilised and there is a particular problem with the allocation of placements.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider, be it from an excellent standard of teachers, excellent ways of providing tuition (particularly OCR Live) or friendly emails reminding you that people are there to help. There are issues with the online content, but the tuition and many of the resources provided are superb.

I receive a lot of support from my employer, with options always available if I need someone to talk to. In general, they provide excellent support and constantly remind that they are available should anything be required.

Despite having high travel costs and a reasonably long commute, I find that my salary is excellent, particularly for someone my age and provides me with fantastic remuneration for personal spending too. Particularly given the progression of pay and comparisons to other industries, I believe KPMG offers superb pay, which adequately covers costs.

There are many opportunities outside work for KPMG employees, from department socials to company events and initiatives. Although these could be improved by greater organisation of such events, the location and attitude of the company allows for opportunities.

Yes

KPMG is a progressive firm which aims to cater to everyone's needs and is willing to provide great support to anyone who requires it. It aims to create welcoming inclusion and personal development for all of its employees.

Show what makes you the individual are, demonstrate how you are motivated to join the company and try to exemplify key skills to succeed in the business, including organisational skills and the willingness to go further.