As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, let’s mark the achievements of one of Central Saint Michael’s amazing alumni, Kaven Judge, who is climbing the career ladder at global organisation KPMG.
Kaven has just achieved his long-held ambition of becoming an Assistant Manager at the Big Four firm after completing his Accountancy/Taxation Professional Apprenticeship and AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting, studying for his degree apprenticeship at BPP University.
Graduating from Central Saint Michael’s Sixth Form in 2018 with 3 As in Accounting, Business and Economics A Levels, Karen focused all of his efforts on securing a higher apprenticeship.
He says: “After doing some research, it was exactly what I was looking for. The chance to study towards a degree debt-free and guaranteed full-time paid employment. To me, it was a no-brainer. The scheme provided the exact same benefits as university, but with none of the downsides. After applying for a handful of higher apprenticeship vacancies within finance roles, I came across KPMG.
“I still remember the excitement after finding out that I’d been accepted onto the scheme. I know I made the right choice and haven’t looked back since. I applied for the six-year higher apprenticeship, and needed BCC grades to secure my place. It’s a really competitive assessment with a two-week wait to find out the result, so I was so happy to be accepted.”
Kaven adds: “I’d definitely recommend applying for higher apprenticeships just because you get that real-world job experience alongside your degree. The most enjoyable thing about being an apprentice is having that head start on everyone else, for example, I’ve got more real-world applicational knowledge, more exam knowledge.
“Central Saint Michael’s prepared me by being a university-style sixth form in the sense that you’re treated as an equal by your lecturers. I’d say that it helped me be a lot more independent because whilst my lecturers were there to support me, I took on a lot of responsibility myself in making sure that I achieved my grades, and that independence is so valuable in a workplace. Whilst you do have a team to rely on, at the end of the day, the only person who can get your work done is you, so independence is what Central Saint Michael’s has given me. The support from my lecturers was amazing. I can’t thank them enough!”
By admin
Category: Alumni , College News