KPMG welcomes new Government Apprenticeship

“KPMG welcomes the new Apprenticeship Standards announced today which will provide new and exciting workplace routes into the accountancy profession for people from a wide range of backgrounds. As a major employer of young people we are hugely proud to have participated in the development of these standards and we are committed to building an engaging Apprenticeship Programme that aligns to them.

“If we are going to help more young people to access rewarding jobs they need to come to the workforce equipped with the skills that employers require in their businesses. To address the skills shortage in the UK it is vital that policy makers empower employers to guide the training and vocational education that students have access to. The Trailblazer Standards for Professional Accounting Technician and Professional Accountant define the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required by a fully competent apprentice, and provide a framework for apprentices that lead to valuable, transferable qualifications, relevant for employers. As a progressive employer we welcome the fact that businesses are able to individually set their entry requirements for both Accountancy Standards, to encourage applications from school leavers with a wide diversity of academic achievement.

“Over recent years the Accountancy Profession has become a more exclusive place to work. KPMG’s success is dependent on recruiting the best talent to meet our clients’ needs and therefore it is critical we recruit from the widest possible talent pool. Many accountancy firms already have programmes in place to help drive greater social mobility within the Profession and the announcement today is another step forward in preserving the long-term diversity of the Accounting Sector. KPMG commit to developing Apprenticeship Programmes using both the Level 4 and Level 7 Standards.

These Programmes will enable young people and new entrants to fulfil their potential and achieve qualifications equivalent to a Certificate of Higher Education, a Post Graduate Diploma or Masters degree, while gaining valuable work experience. Our engagement in the development of the Trailblazer Standard complements the firm's commitment to the 'Access to Accountancy' initiative launched earlier this year and builds on the experience of our existing school leaver programmes: including the Audit School Leaver Programme, STARS programme and Business Support Academy.”

Skills Minister Nick Boles added: “I’m delighted that KPMG has developed a new apprenticeship standard in Accountancy as part of the Apprenticeship Trailblazer initiative.

“Since 2010 there have been 1.8 million apprenticeship starts and KPMG are leading by example in the development and delivery of high quality apprenticeships that give people the chance of successful careers and help businesses get the skills they need to grow.”

KPMG has recruited over 1100 students via it’s graduate, school leaver and apprentice schemes in 2014

Full BIS news release : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/get-in-and-go-far-with-new-apprenticeships