360 Apprentice Review

As a 360 apprentice I rotate across the firm, but currently I am working in audit. As part of audit I have joined a team, of various levels of experience from Partner to other apprentices and go out to our clients to evaluate their accounting processes and financial accounts before they are released. My typical week would involve being given responsibility to meet with key management to gain a better understanding of their business, and then working with my team in documenting our findings.

Immediately upon joining KPMG I have developed so many skills, not only accounting skills and knowledge, but softer skills such as developing my confidence and team working ability. This is because, skills are developed not only through the variety of learning material provided such as online and classroom based but also from my experience the skills that are learnt on the job that are invaluable in career development.

I am early on in my career within KPMG, but my induction into the firm and the first few jobs have been a really good experience. Obviously, having joining the work place straight from A-levels its a big jump and challenging, however the support is there in many ways, especially within the apprentice network where I have built really good supportive networks.

The apprentice programme is continually developing and as been operating for a few years now, so is structured quite well. For example, we are given time for study leave before exams, and have dedicated contacts within the apprentice management team to talk to about how we are doing and ask questions to.

KPMG has various routes for support, for example the apprentice management team has its own contacts and support systems to help apprentices with any issues they have but also the departments and teams that you work with also have a very good working culture and are supportive to your need. In my experience I haven't had to use these routes particularly, however the fact that everyone I have worked with is understanding that I am new to the working world, and are very supportive has really helped me.

The training provider gives us access to different resources including information booklets, online and paper questions as well as video webinars to watch as well as classroom based learning for some content. Also there are periodical calls from them to check on our progress on our apprenticeship and what is coming up next on our programme. The initial learning is very fast paced and a lot of work, but if the work is put in then the exams are a lot easier.

The qualification has definitely help me as I never had done accounting so was new to lots of different language and the rules of accounting. Therefore, the initial exams that take place build a foundation that helps in understanding the work I am preforming and can help me self resolve issues.

There are lots of networking events, for example upon joining KPMG all the intake of apprentices meet together for a week and learn more about KPMG, but are also are given time for activities and networking. Also within the department I am within monthly social events are organised so people can meet up and chat, which are a good opportunity to meet new people and have fun.

Yes

Personally, I've quite enjoyed the challenge of joining the firm as the immediate responsibility and work life is the reason I applied for an apprenticeship. But mainly the culture of KPMG is really supportive, there are endless contacts for help and support and the apprentice community is really helpful in the progression of exams and work as you are going through the same stages and can talk and laugh about your different experiences.

Firstly, don't be intimidated by the fact KPMG is a big four firm, or that you have never done accounting. Just be yourself throughout the application process. Also make sure to do as much research as you can to understand KPMG's values and what they do, as this will really help in the application process.