360 Apprentice Review

KPMG 360 is a rotational apprenticeship where I will have an opportunity to work in all aspects of the business. So, my day to day depends of what area in the business I am in. Currently, I am in R&D where we help companies receive tax relief for research and development. My day to day work varies. I help pull together claim reports, technical narratives, set up SANs and opp and engagement letters.

I have learnt how to communicate in a working environment whether it be on email or in person. I have developed my existing writing skills through writing technical narratives and any other pieces of written work I have to do. My planning and prioritisation has improved since I now use my online calendar to plan my time and when I have multiple pieces of work I know how to cope.

I am really enjoying the 360 programme. Everyone I have met at KPMG are so supportive and interested in you and want you to improve. I love the varied work I have and the fact I can tailor my apprenticeship by choosing what departments I want to try. The programme has exceeded all of my expectations in the sense of the responsibilities I am given and the support I receive during my exams from our learning provider and KPMG.

I feel extremely valued at KPMG. My manager gives me so much support and such a variety of work so I always feel I am contributing to help my team. Outside of work, I have been attending schools to speak about the apprenticeship programmes KPMG offer. Allowing me to have these opportunities I feel are so important to build networks outside of work and to promote these programmes in the best possible light. I also feel valued in the amount of time I am given whilst revising for exams since I am given time away from work to focus on my studies.

I feel the programme is structured very well. When I joined, we had a 2 week induction which helped me understand the programme more and network with all of my fellow apprentices. When we have exams, we have time off work to attend college and study so I never feel overwhelmed in the amount of work I have. On each placement I also get assigned a buddy and line manager who are there if you have any questions and if you need support. I will always have a performance manager who checks I am progressing and is there for any support.

Whilst revising for exams, we have a training provider called BPP. We attend college to prepare for exams and am allocated days off work to study for exams. BBP provide you with online resources, books and study notes to help you revise so you have all of the materials to help you pass. We also have a PQA team who update you on when your exams are and support you if you don't pass.

I feel I have received so much support since I have started. When carrying out tasks for other employees, they encourage you to ask questions if you're stuck to help you improve so I never don't want to ask for help. You are supported even down to IT issues where there is a team who you can ring who assists you with any IT troubles you are having. The 360 programme also has a team who you can contact if you have any queries or troubles.

All travel costs and other expenses whilst working are paid for if it is for working purposes. When you are out of office, you are allowed lunch/dinner allowances which you can pay with on your corporate card so you are never out of pocket when travelling for work. Within KPMG offices, all employees are allowed a lunch allowance to spend in the canteen.

At KPMG you are given corporate responsibility hours. These are designed for you to support the local community and have time outside of work to volunteer. There are also lots of different clubs and organisations such as sport clubs and religious organisations within KPMG. For each department, there are social events outside of working hours where you can socialise with you colleagues.

Yes

I would recommended KPMG as a company due to the people you work with. Everyone is so supportive and approachable and will provide you with as many opportunities as they can. The programme is so well structured and unique to any other programmes since it is rotational so you don't have to specialise straight away.

Before interviews, I would write down attributes KPMG look for in their employees eg. integrity and think of an example when you have demonstrated this attribute. I wouldn't be nervous about the assessment centre/interviews. At the start we were given an icebreaker activity to complete which eases you into the process and makes you feel more relaxed. During the induction week, we had a residential where all apprentices stayed in a hotel. I would use this opportunity to network and build as many contacts as you can since it is so useful having so many different people to contact if you need help.