Apprentice Review

My daily role consists of actioning tickets and looking at incident logs that have been triaged by the system. I work in the Information Security department and this involves being responsible for change requests, reviewing logs and incidents and working on wider Cyber related projects.

I am currently working towards a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions, which has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about the department that I work in, along with other interesting modules, such as programming and networking. I have been able to develop my soft skills, such as communication and regular engagements with the various teams to increase my confidence. With the degree and my job role, not only have I been able to gain a better understanding of the underlying principles of technology and information security, but I have also been able to learn the different tools and systems through both internal and external training.

I really enjoy the programme - it's very diverse and I get to engage and work with different teams on a regular basis to grow my network and learn new things. The teams that I liaise with are very supportive and it really ties in well with the diverse and collaborative company culture.

The programme is well structured and there are relevant training and support elements in place to access when required. The studying is done online, which is relatively well-managed and provides a structured and organised pathway for Apprentices to follow within their programme. The support is available internally and externally at the University as well and on most occasions, I am able to access the resources and help that I require.

There is a lot of support being provided to the Apprentices, from the Apprenticeship management team, the University team and the team that the Apprentice is in. Support is usually very easily accessible and guidance to issues and queries is provided rapidly and in an effective and helpful manner. There is also mentoring available to those who sign up for it, which is also a great way to be able to develop your career and gain guidance from senior employees.

The tutors at the University are available to help through email or a phone call to answer any questions or to provide further guidance on assessments. There is a good approach to providing guidance as there is also a central University mailbox to support Apprentices with their queries. As it is an online learning pathway, the accessibility of support can sometimes be slightly delayed, however the relevant contacts are provided for urgent matters. This is very helpful during term time and for guidance on assignments and the module content.

My learning from my Apprenticeship pathway and University modules greatly supports in my job role on a daily basis; this is because I am able to apply my learnings from the modules into my role as it is relevant to the task and responsibilities that are assigned to my team. I have also been able to gain a better understanding of my team from a new joiner basis as the theory and content covered within University can be applied internally to better perform at my job.

There is a wide range of extra-curricular activies to be involved in. There are multiple internal networks set up, as a way for different people to get together under one event/network that they believe in or are interested in. The volunteering initiatives are key in this firm and there is a huge focus on them, with various initiatives being set up very frequently. Alongside this, there are company events and social events that each team can organise, such as quiz nights or a team lunch.

Yes

KPMG is a diverse firm and there is a lot to get involved in and learn. The opportunities are always present to try something new and there is a lot of support provided from the very minute that you join. The culture is very people-orientated and there is a big focus on career development and being able to grow within your teams and network, which is great for someone straight out of school or college.

The application process is quite straightforward and mostly done online with an assessment centre and interview day in person, be sure to create a CV that really represents you as a person and what your interests are. Do your research beforehand and make sure that KPMG is the right firm for you and that there is something within that can interest you, and find out what your interests are and what you'd like to get out of the apprenticeship and from your time with the firm if applying for another role. I have found that by doing this, the interview process seemed less daunting and it was more relaxed to talk about my interests and experiences that I have gained from previous jobs/education.