360 apprentice Review

as a 360 apprentice we go round the different departments of KPMG; audit, advisory and tax. we rotate around all of these departments for 3 years at which point we choose what department we want to specialise in. the next 3 years we continue to sit professional exams and train in our chosen field.

I have learned basic accounting (professional) skills (which we are examined on) as well as on the job skills such as speaking confidently with clients etc. along with excel skills and interpersonal skills, I have also learned how to more independent and organised and I have also gained more confidence.

I enjoy the 360 programme, it can however sometimes be hard to juggle exams and work at the same time. I would also like more to see different areas of the business, I have only officially been In audit so far so would like to experience different areas to decide where I want to specialise.

The program is well structured - 3 years of rotating round departments and 3 years in your specialised department with exams all along the way. Things like placements etc could be better organised as sometimes we are left without placemnets and are not able to try out different departments. People in the offices could be more equipped to help us as new joiners.

We need to pass our exams (70% pass rate) within 2 attempts and if not our contact is more than likely terminated. I feel this is a big pressure for young people and we should maybe receive more support on this front - more understanding into WHY we may have failed etc as we are all young and new to the workplace.

BPP is a really good training provider and I like the style of online learning with our own materials delivered to us. I wish sometimes the tutors were more approachable as sometimes its hard to contact them after your training course has ended. apart from this they really are great

I feel our exams help In our role but not to a great great extent - a lot of exam knowledge is very specific and we need to memorise a lot - this wouldn't normally need to be memorised on a day to day basis at work as we can always ask for help

Yes! lots of social activities and committees to join including Christian network, lgbt network, parent network, as well as lots of nights out and charity days etc. there is also ski trips and football clubs you can get involved in too. I have also recently seen an email telling us that we are going to do an office play!

Yes

Really good place to gain lots of experience - you really are thrown into the deep end but the rewards afterwards should be worth it! A really good place to work with lots of benefits. apprentice programme is also a good alternative to uni, it is also a quicker option than going to uni in some cases

Be confident and be yourself - there are all kinds of people in the office so they really want you to be yourself - so cliché but true. have good competencies ready for interview, prove that your hard working and friendly. Don't take yourself too seriously, have fun and be creative!