360Apprentice Review

360 apprentice involves being a junior level enployee who rotated through different departments in the company. The programme aims to set itself apart from others by giving the people on the course a chance to decide what they want to do after they have dipped their toes into various pools.

I’ve learnt a lot skills during my time at KPMG. It’s increased my confidence and understanding of the financial services world. I’ve gained qualification in accounting free of charge. Met some amazing people along the way and also improved on my interpersonal skills. Mainly down to talking with/advising clients every day!

The programme itself sounded great in writing but has been executed very poorly by the management leading it. This had led me to be very unhappy during my time in KPMG. You constantly feel less and less appreciated within the firm, this is accompanied by being treated like you are a pupil and the people in charge of 360 are the headmaster. I was ready to grow up when I left college to join the programme and found myself taking two steps back when it came to feeling like an adult. Which is a shame as the company itself has a really good atmosphere.

The programme is possibly one of the most disorganised programmes I’ve seen. As mentioned before this programme could be the best there is however the management team are very reluctant to take constructive feedback. You will not chose your placement. Even if that is what’s sold to you at the start. The rotation dates are constantly changed due to the lack lustre efforts of the management team in charge of them.

The employer KPMG will give you a lot of support I have a Permornance Manager in the company who I feel I can voice my opinions to. Any issues I have I always feel as though they are listened to, even if nothing can be done to solve them. In terms of exams you get study leave and good teaching through BPP which has enabled me to achieve great marks.

As mentioned above BPP are one of the best professional qualification training providers there is. You’re unlikely to get better elsewhere! You get a skills coach which will help you set achievable targets and plan your revision etc. This is a really key element of the BPP service which I think sets them apart.

In KPMG it’s not likely you’ll ever just do basic accounting such as Bookeeping etc so in that regard it’s not that helpful to be honest. However, it does make your life a lot easier when it comes to things such as Auditing to have a good foundation knowledge!

Always social events with lots of free drinks and food!!! The people are really cool and in terms of big four companies I haven’t heard of any with a more friendly atmosphere. KPMG will pay for you to go to Networking events if you ask. As well as this the partners and directors are really friendly!

No

I feel as though you are sold a dream when you start that you can shape your own career in ways that other companies can’t offer. This is far from reality. Resourcing is performed so poorly that you’re unlikely to ever get a placement that you actually want (unless you want to do audit for every placement). The people at the top of the 360 management team have no care for who’s toes they stand on or who’s lives the my affect as long as they can show the people above them that they’re hitting their quotas.

I would still apply as it’s a good opportunity to get your foot in the door to a competive career. However, be confident, bold and make sure you have a good back bone! On the whole I do like KPMG as a firm however when speaking about their apprentice programme I struggle to find many positives compared to other opportunities available to you.