Apprentice Review

I am currently in corporate audit. I work on a variety of audits with varying sized teams. My day to day tasks includes documenting controls, performing walkthroughs, selecting samples, requesting evidence from the client, documenting evidence received and ensuring that the evidence received is sufficient and appropriate so testing can help come to a conclusion for the audit opinion

Yes, I have learnt a variety of skills involving audit as well as computer programs such as excel. I have also developed skills from my learning in college during the apprenticeship. This has allowed me to excel in my current role and given me a lot of transferable skills and qualities

The programme has allowed me to meet a diverse amount of people and I have been able to obtain level 4 AAT. However, there is very little support from the company and I have not been able to rotate around different departments as promised when I applied for the apprenticeship. I have felt very isolated, and it clear the apprentices are viewed as cash cows by the business. If I knew it was like this I would not have done the programme. The lack of compassion shown by the business has meant I'm struggling mentally and will likely be leaving the business

The structure of the programme is not bad - completing AAT gave me a good foundation. However, the apprenticeship team has slowly become redundant in my 3 years and there is now no one to contact for support which is frustrating. Not many people within in the business seem to care for apprentices which is not ideal.

I received some support at the start of the programme - but now the apprenticeship team is none existent and it's very hard to know who to contact for issues. Therefore, I feel very alone and it's come to a point where I have tried reaching out but generic Reponses are given which are not suitable for my current situation

I have had decent support from my training provider (BPP). They have conducted webinars and in house college to help with my studies. There are also lots of resources available on their website which helps with exams and coursework. This has allowed me to do well in all of my exams so far.

I am able to apply some of the learning form my qualification into the work I complete, which helps me perform better in my role. This has allowed me to complete work to a high standard in accordance with the relevant accounting standards. I have also used this knowledge and applied it to my audit work.

There is a lot of extra curricular activities to get involved in, especially social activities. There are also sports teams and plenty of networking events, but because I am based in a smaller office there is a lot less than the bigger offices in my firm. This has allowed me to meet a lot of new people

No

I would not recommend KPMG to a friend as it's clear the staff are just seen as numbers and are given a unmanageable workload - especially the more senior you get. This has created an environment where staff are overworked and unhappy - I can see why there is a huge turnover within the business.

I would suggest you think long and hard about applying to the firm - It is a good name to work for but over a period of time, employees seem to get burnt out and decide to leave the firm The pay is also not good considering going into industry gives you better working patterns and pay a lot more. However, you do work with and meet a lot of people.