ROUTES INTO WORK
GETTING WORK READY
WorkReady, a nationwide KPMG skills tour for
secondary school students, takes place every
summer. It provides an understanding of the
changing world of work and the importance
and application of both STEM and ‘soft’ skills.
The tour has reached some 10,000 mixed-
ability students from less advantaged
backgrounds over the past five years.
More than 80% of participants agreed
or strongly agreed that they have a better
understanding of what employers are
looking for; all teachers agreed or strongly
agreed that the programme helps students
become more employable.
The ambition for WorkReady is to
provide a wider network and continuum
of support for participating students to
help schools reinforce the programme’s
learning outcomes. This year, KPMG has
partnered with Enabling Enterprise to
share teachable Skills Builder resources
with participating schools. Teachers can
select key skills identified as requiring
further practice and also build
micro-workshops around the skills
throughout the following academic
year, contextualised and enhanced by
KPMG volunteers.
ABOUT KPMG
KPMG is a global network of professional
firms providing audit, tax and advisory
services. kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates
kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprenticeships
kpmgcareers.co.uk/undergraduates
MARK KAKEMBO
360 APPRENTICE, AUDIT, KPMG
After hearing about apprenticeships from a
friend, Mark Kakembo went from pursuing
a classic degree path to joining KPMG’s
apprenticeship scheme.
I’ve always been interested in the finance
sector and was originally set on a traditional
degree route after sixth form. There was
nowhere near as much exposure to
apprenticeships compared with the focus
placed on the university route at my school.
I was lucky enough to hear about
apprenticeships through a friend, so started
looking at opportunities in finance. I made two
applications to the ‘big four’ plus one banking
apprenticeship – demand for all was incredibly
high. At A level, grades BCC (or equivalent) are
required, alongside a minimum of 5 A*-C at
GCSE (or equivalent). I achieved ABC in English,
psychology and geography A levels
respectively, making it onto KPMG’s scheme.
The three-year 360 programme is designed
for those looking to broaden their outlook on
the wider professional services environment.
Being an apprentice has given me opportunities
to learn as our scheme allows us to rotate into
numerous areas of the business. You can
then make a career decision based on
real-life experiences.
I found my ‘home’ department in audit early
in the scheme. However, many of my peers
have been able to rotate into sectors not initially
available on the programme by having
discussions with management who make every
effort to open the door.
collaboration and inclusion; strives for
continual improvement; exercises
professional judgement; makes an
impact; seizes business opportunit ies;
demonstrates innovation and curiosity.
We understand that these
capabilities require translation and
simplification, and recommend schools
work alongside employers and other
providers within clear skills frameworks
such as Enabling Enterprise’s Skills
Builder (see page 22), which provide
teachable, engaging and impactful
resources to help students develop key
skills and characteristics.
In my final year (2019) I will make my formal
choice of department to specialise in. Having
chosen audit, I will complete my ACA
qualification over the following three years.
Away from the formal working environment,
the 360 Apprenticeship team has developed
our soft skills during quarterly forums. We’ve
tackled public speaking, physical
communication and networking.
“You can make a
career decision
based on real-life
experiences”
A head start straight from school
I have no regrets about choosing this path as
I’m free of debt and earning while I learn. It
affords you a head start into your chosen
profession, straight from school. I’d recommend
an apprenticeship to anybody interested in a
career in professional services or finance. These
programmes make you well-rounded, giving
you the chance to earn relevant qualifications
and gain on-the-job experience.
Perceptions of apprenticeships are
changing for the better. I don’t believe that
there is a ‘second-rate’ status associated with
them today, as they have received backing
from the government on such a large scale.
FUTURE TALENT // 41