360 Apprentice Review

I am on the 360 Programme. I am currently based in Public Sector Audit. I work with higher grade colleagues on engagements with clients carrying out internal and external audits. I have to attend meetings with clients and also visit client sites to carry out work for audits. When I am unassigned I do online training.

I have only been on the programme for 3 months and have already passed 2 exams and submitted an essay. I have attended 2 audit training courses one which was a week long and the other was for 2 days. I have also completed many online trainings which have helped me improve in my role as an audit assistant. I have learnt how to correctly format emails to communicate with clients and with colleagues. I have developed my excel and PowerPoint skills which has really helped my work with clients as we use both of these platforms regularly.

The people I work with are all very friendly and helpful and at KPMG we say 'no question is a silly question'. I have found this very helpful as whenever I am confused I don't feel scared to ask someone what to do or what something means. Everyone is understanding that when you start the apprenticeship you don't know anything about how to do an audit. I enjoy working on clients because I feel very professional and also find client work very interesting because it is so diverse.

I feel very valued at KPMG and everyone's opinions are respected. I feel that we are always asked for feedback which makes me feel more important too. I feel valued during client work because whilst on my clients I have done a lot of the core work and so without me the project wouldn't be completed.

Our programme is very structured. We rotate around the different departments within the firm for 2 years to decide what department we like most. while doing this we do exams for level 3 and 4 in accountancy. Once we have specialised we then spend 4 years becoming a chartered accountant. There is also a fast track option if you want to go through the process quicker.

Whilst we are revising for our exams we get constant emails from our college trainers asking how we are doing and if we need any help. this is very reassuring.

We have a large support network around us and there is always someone to contact if you need help or have a question. We have buddies, performance managers, resource managers, people leaders, programme leaders etc. All of these people are so helpful and never mind if you contact the with questions etc.

After I have paid out for necessities such as travel food and luxuries like days and meals out and clothes I still have around half of my pay cheque left.

we have 6 volunteer days a year that we can take off work and volunteer at charities/schools etc. we can also volunteer to help out at information days or career fairs.

Yes

its a really friendly place to work and offers very good opportunities. Everyone is treated equally and with complete respect. There is amazing support networks and also networking groups for sports and religions.

Be yourself, be confident and believe in yourself.