360 Apprentice Review

I am currently an apprentice on the 360 programme at KPMG. I am in my second placement in corporate accounting which falls under TPL. At the moment I am assisting the rest of the team with VAT returns, managements accounts and reviewing financial statements. I am being given a lot more responsibility than I thought I ever would be as I am still only an apprentice who has been here for 7 months. I feel that I am fully respected and trusted by the whole team, as they set me work and guide me to complete it. I am always ready to ask questions which they are very happy to answer which means the work I do is completed to a better standard and I am constantly learning. It is nice to have continual pieces of work to do as well as often doing VAT returns that have only just come in and are urgent, meaning my days can be varied and enjoyable.

I am constantly learning within my placement and at BPP where I am studying towards my Level 3 AAT, where I will progress onto Level 4 in the summer. Training for AAT integrates well with the work I am currently doing with the corporate accounting team and I am able to put into practice all that I am learning which I feel is integral to mastering a profession. Without the 360 programme I would not have had a chance to complete AAT so extensively, with the prospect of completing CIMA/ACCA in the future.

I am currently loving the programme. I have a good support network as well as 50 other apprentices based with me in London, making the transition from sixth form to work life that much easier. The 360 cohort have made the experience very enjoyable, but we are also embraced and encouraged by other around us and the teams in which we choose to work. Everyone is understanding of our needs as first year apprentices and as much support and guidance is given as and when necessary. It has far exceeded my expectations, as I am loving my placement and the work I am doing as well as all the people I have met so far.

I feel that I am appreciated by all members of the 360 team and those within my placement team. I am seen as an equal and not patronised or thought less of. I am given the same opportunities as everybody else and have never been made to feel inferior to any other employee of any grade or role.

My programme is well structured as it allows different movement and pathways for each individual after the 2nd year, meaning all apprentices are looked at individually. The training, support and induction we have received at KPMG has been very good and in enabled us all to settle in very well. However, as the programme is only in its second year, there are still changes and aspects that are constantly developing about the programme which hopefully over time will be resolved.

We receive lots of help from BPP. We have access to a tutor, study materials, online forums as well as the cohort above us who have sat and passed the exams which we are now sitting. People are always around and willing to help out and we receive enough study leave and time to revise and ask questions and get help when needed.

Similarly, we receive a lot of support from our employer as the company is so big there are lots of people round to help out. We have our own support from the 360 team as well our placement teams and other in the cohort. There is always enough on offer to us to help with any situation.

As I live fairly close and still at home my salary is more than enough to see me through each month, I am never worrying about money. I have enough to live, travel, socialise and enough to save as well. As we have subsidised lunches, I have fewer daily costs that most which also means there is less stress on my bank balance each month.

Currently because of the nature of the programme with work and study I do not find much time to take up opportunities outside of work as I like to go home and socialise with family and friends. however, there is lots on offer to all employees with KPMG as there are a range of networks from Christian society, to tennis club to the network of women.

Yes

You are well supported, encouraged to do your best and continually improve whilst earning and learning at the same time. the company is a brilliant one to work for and the basis is provides for us is fundamental. without our basic qualifications it would be hard to succeed in this profession, but the programme equips us with everything we need for a good career and career progression.

Be yourself! Be confident, but not overly confident! Know who you are, where you want to get to and have the ambition to make it happen! If you are yourself then the application process and interviews are straight forward, you just need to try not to overthink it all. If you are sure this is what you want and know where you want to see yourself in the future then all this will become clear through the way you interact and carry yourself.