Apprentice Review

At this present moment I am an apprentice with in the Innovation Relief Incentives team. Daily tasks involve engagement letters, transmittal letters, claim reports and costing schedules. I communicate with my manager with what I need to do and he aids me with anything I may struggle with on a project. The majority of the work I do is done independently.

Since joining I have learnt about bookkeeping whilst studying and preparing for my AAT level 3. We have been placed on a number of beneficiary training courses with the subject varying from research skills to basic IRI training. As well as learning new skills I have been able to develop my organisational and communication skills.

The programme is very enjoyable. KPMG have set it up in away that involves inclusion, meaning you won't feel left out and lost. The team you're placed in aim to help you as much as you help them. Furthermore, KPMG's company culture encourages this approach, so others in the office who won't be in your team are open and friendly.

One of the first things we learnt about KPMG when at our induction event is about the values that KPMG have, and how each employee has their own role within the business. This foundation leads you to have a sense of feeling appreciated. When in the office, people of more senior positions talk with you as if they would with another more senior member of the team, giving a further sense of value.

The programme is well organised, you receive dates well in advanced for events, as well as having regular catch-ups with managers about how you are progressing with your work. KPMG aims to make the exams as easy as possible for apprentices, making sure work mixes well with college, giving you time to revise for exams coming up in the future.

When you are at college, you are given face-to-face tuition. This is great because if you don't understand something you can easily ask for help. Further support is given through a team offering advice on revision plans and how to manage it without disrupting your workflow. Once your face-to-face tuition is over, a number of revision sessions are offered before you complete your exam.

From day one you know who you report to. Making it easy to know who to speak to about any issues you may have with your work. Furthermore, KPMG allocates you a buddy with who you can talk openly about any problems you may be struggling with in work. Managers are friendly and encourage you to ask questions wherever possible.

Before applying I was worried if the salary wouldn't be able to meet my living costs. However, I moved out of my own house and now rent a room in a shared accommodation. My salary easily covers my rent, food shops and utilities, leaving me with plenty of money left over for savings and just general spending.

I receive a number of emails each week about events available to me outside of work. These have included balls and client outings. One activity that particularly stood out to me was the 5-a-side football team which I am now apart of and takes place every Thursday with other colleagues from my office.

Yes

KPMG has a great culture, it aims to make everyone feel included and involved. The values of KPMG can be seen in each employee of KPMG, creating a pleasant working environment. Colleagues are friendly and instead of seeing work as something I need to do, KPMG makes it something that I want to do.

When applying, be yourself, that's the main bit of advice I would give. When being interviewed, be open and honest with the answers you give, and when offered the opportunity, ask as many questions as you can. One piece of advice that I would have found helpful when applying is to not try and be the person they think they want, but to be yourself.