Business Admin Apprentice Review

I am currently in my first rotation in HR where I respond to emails which come in on a daily basis - things can be about holiday balances, employment references, timesheet queries and I will either respond to it myself or allocate it to another team to process. One day a week I have a study day where I complete my college work.

I have enhanced a number of my skills through carrying out my work, such as my written communication and professionalism has improved through responding to the emails every day. I have enhanced my time management and organisational skills as I have to balance college work with the day to day tasks I complete but the firm ensure I am able to do this.

I really enjoy my programme and am glad that I got to experience what it is like working for one of the big 4. The college work is manageable with my day to day work activities which also makes it enjoyable as it is not too stressful. I really like that the programme is rotational so I get to really understand the business.

I think it is very well structured as I am able to complete 4 rotations in different departments for 6 months each so I get to see which one I enjoy most and want to work in in the future. At the moment with Coronavirus my current rotation has been delayed but I haven't received too much communication as to when I will start in my next rotation.

I get a lot of support from KPMG. I am given one day a week as a study day to ensure I am able to complete my college work but I know that I can always speak with my team and performance manager if I think that this is not manageable.

I get a lot of support from BPP as I receive regular feedback on my missions which help me to improve them and meet more criteria. I have an allocated coach at BPP who I can email to get more support if I have any queries and have regular phone call meetings with her and my manager so she can understand how I am progressing and if I have any queries.

I believe that writing reflective statements in my missions really help with understanding what it is that I do whilst at work and being able to realise how many skills I have actually gained. The theory helps me to understand KPMG as a business but not so much the work that I do in my role.

There are networking events in the offices such as snack chats where I can meet employees who work in the same field as myself. There are a range of societies such as parenting networks which lots of employees get involved with. There are a few apprenticeship events where we can meet apprentices from across the country, such as during our induction week and having apprenticeship forums.

Yes

There are lots of good benefits for working at KPMG such as good pay, annual leave and we get a lunch allowance. They offer a range of apprenticeships which cater for most people. They are a very supportive and friendly firm which is helpful as you can ask anyone any question you have. The team I have worked in are very aware that I have college work so are happy to support me with having my one study day a week.

Do lots of research into the firm and what the apprenticeship you are applying to entails as you can show your interviewer that you are really interested in working for KPMG. Make sure you are prepared to work hard as some people may find the balance of college work and work in your team difficult but this shouldn't put you off as there is lots of support available to help you.