Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at KPMG
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
London
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a software engineering apprentice, I work with a team to design, develop and maintain software for the financial industry. On a day to day basis, I may be involved in design meetings, to understand requirements from the product owner, or coding a piece of functionality to meet those requirements. Within my team I have gained experience coding in Javascript.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love my programme! Whilst it can be very stressful at times due to balancing many responsibilities and deadlines, I am constantly given the opportunity to push and challenge myself, and with this, I have achieved things I previously thought impossible. The company, team and my colleagues are so supportive and understanding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Throughout the 2 years that I have been on my apprenticeship, I have had the opportunity to learn many new skills, over a range of different pillars. I have been able to work with different programming languages, such as Java and Javascript, and worked closely with querying databases using postgreSQL and SQL. I have also had the opportunity to work with ITIL, and developed my skills greatly in it.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
My programme is very well organised and structured - term dates and off the job learning days are communicated in advance of the start of term. I am able to take the same study days off per week, enabling consistency and a routine to be formed. Before each exam I am given study days and a day to actually complete the exam, which gives me time to focus on obtaining the best grades possible. At the start of my programme, I was introduced to all of the necessary colleagues, who I am able to contact at any point during my programme for support.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is so understanding and supportive, and gives me sufficient opportunities to thrive within the programme. Along with ensuring that I am able to achieve my off the job learning hours, they also allow me leave from work responsibilities if I feel I need extra time to complete university assignments, or if i have upcoming exams. The team are also keen to help with university problems (such as understanding concepts for assignments) when asked.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I regularly have meetings with my academic advisor and performance manager where we discuss my progress in both work and university, and is a space where we can provide feedback or raise blockers/issues. This support from the training provider ensures that I stay on track to meet the apprenticeship goals, and to 'nip problems in the bud' if and when they do come up.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have noticed that the work I do in my qualification versus work are so different! The things I learn arent directly used in the workplace, rather they have given me a better understanding of the context and why the team are doing what they doing. Whilst they are two very separate things, I am able to perform better with the background knowledge of topics and the industry, and it has given me the ability to speak more confidently in meetings and form my own opinions.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Due to covid, extra-curricular activities are not able to continue in the way they were once able to. However, the teams that I have rotated through have tried to hold regular (informal) team meetings or socials to try and build team spirit and maintain the atmosphere/relationships that had been built in the office.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend KPMG to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Working at KPMG, I am excited to come into work everyday! The work environment has been formed in such a way that I can ask a senior manager or director for help and vice versa - it is noticeable that they make time to help and support you in your journey.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to KPMG?
Research the company. Understand their values and what they are trying to achieve. When applying for any company, make sure that you can align with their values and that their working environment will suit you.
Dont let not having much experience or knowledge put you off applying to a job role - just as long as you are excited and want to learn about something
Dont let not having much experience or knowledge put you off applying to a job role - just as long as you are excited and want to learn about something
