Consulting 360 Apprentice Review

Working across a number of client facing teams providing consultancy services, including internal audits, operations transformation, change management and forensic accounting. Day to day work includes hosting client workshops, presentations, attending client and internal meetings using technology to analyse data and performing interviews to establish and map processes

I have developed significant skills with Microsoft products, gained prompt engineering skills, gained significant experience in stakeholder management and public speaking and general interpersonal skill useful in business.

Outside of the organisational aspects of the programme I thoroughly enjoy my work. I constantly meet new and interesting people who are always keen to develop me and have seen a wide range of clients, helping them transform and improve both their business and the people that work there.

The programme isn't well structured or organised currently. Although many improvements have been made and we have open channels for feedback, the rotational aspect of our programme is poorly explained and defined, and getting answers to fundamental questions such as the availability of specific level 7 qualifications is consistently difficult.

I receive great support from individual colleagues and managers, but the organisational support for my programme is limited. I was responsible for making up my 20% OTJL hours without support to create protected time to do so, and it is difficult to receive answers to questions about the programme.

The tutors provided are often of a high calibre, but the organisational aspects are less impressive. Progress review calls are often disorganised, I have been sent textbooks to the wrong address and the locations of training are prone to change very close to the start date of tuition.

My Accounting qualification is of limited use to the specific teams that I have rotated through, and I found it hard to achieve the experience required to qualify for my initial level 4 qualification. I have a choice of level 7 qualifications so this should be easier when I specialise.

There are a number of networks providing social activities within the company. Individual teams also often meet for social activities and regional offices will often have periodic dinners/parties. There are a number of networking events for apprentices and a number of short term development programmes like mentoring schemes.

Yes

If suitably warned of the organisational aspects, the day to day work and experience on offer is fantastic - I do not feel I would have received the opportunities to learn or perform in the way that I do in another consultancy firm.

As long as you can handle uncertainty and are self motivated you will do well here. Be proactive reaching out and seeking new opportunities. Genuinely connect with your colleagues and you will be given many opportunities make your mark.