Community

Nathan Pinchemain, KPMG Crown Dependencies first digital apprentice completes his four-year degree

Nathan Pinchemain speaks about his valuable experience on the Digital Apprenticeship and the importance of hybrid learning

Nathan Pinchemain, KPMG Crown Dependecies' first digital apprentice has recently successfully completed his four-year degree and now holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Digital and Technology Solutions with Proficiency in Cyber Security. We caught up with Nathan to hear about his experience on the programme, balancing work and study and becoming a digital thought leader.

The new Digital Apprenticeship Programme was grown from the early stages when the Digital Greenhouse worked hand in hand with KPMG on the digital apprenticeships.

What has been your experience with the digital apprenticeship programme?

Phenomenal! I got to meet and work with lots of people in the UK who work with various companies such as the Bank of England and BT. The programme has also given me the opportunity to work for KPMG alongside a four-year university degree. Balancing work and study was challenging with a lot of long days however my team at KPMG were very supportive and allowed for a day of study a week to dedicate to virtual lectures and e-learning. 

Please give us an insight into the skills you have developed over the last four years?

Over the last four years, I’ve gained knowledge and developed skills in cyber security, networking, business systems and computer programming languages such as Python and Java. We also covered law and ethics in the degree programme. I plan to implement these new skills as and when I can, in relation to cyber security and its ever-growing influence in every aspect of IT, I try and use the general research skills and knowledge that I have picked up from university in my job daily and conversationally with my colleagues.

During my four year degree, I was privileged to work on some data protection projects for our clients, during the period of GDPR implementation, which gave me an interesting insight into the different approaches adopted by organisations in the industry across the Channel Islands and the UK. This experience really shaped the way I interacted with and learn different approaches to work from fellow apprentices on the degree, who worked in larger companies in the UK. For instance, the hard work that goes into keeping the island's data safe and secure compared to a company the size of the Bank of England or BT, especially telecommunications, it’s just so vast. They have dedicated teams that are very specialised and dedicated to one area whereas here we often work in smaller teams and have to wear many hats and use varied skills within our role. 

How do you plan to implement these into your future work with KPMG?

I've been able to bring in a fresh mindset to cyber security approach to my work on IT Audit or Cyber Security projects for our clients. I am able to highlight industry trends to my team and our clients, which they find very valuable. I’ve also kept in touch with my fellow apprentices from across the UK and talk to them about the latest digital, cyber security and other relevant industry trends. Bringing in these new ideas into the workspace creates the chance for innovations and new practices.

What made you decide to take up the apprenticeship programme?

The Digital Greenhouse! I was part of the 2017 internship (the first one) and I was in the rotational group, we worked at Sure, Healthspan & KPMG and I loved it! We spent two weeks at KPMG and while I was there I met their head of digital, and during a discussion, we voiced the possibility of studying while working as I wasn’t very keen on the idea of moving to the UK to go to university. They offered me the opportunity to work on the island full time while studying for my degree and I jumped at the offer, four years later and here I am!  

What would you say to those thinking about applying for the Digital Apprenticeship Programme?

Go for it! It's such a brilliant experience and though it can be challenging at times whichever company you work for at the time will provide you with the support you need. It's a rewarding experience both academically and in general work/personal life. My team helped me with time management, reporting skills, communications and helped me build my self-confidence.

Want to know more about the Digital Apprenticeship Programme?

click here

You May Also Be Interested In

 

Digital Greenhouse 2023 Annual Update

 

Female Founder Focus: Sonia Mills Vincent De Vera, Wildwolf Wellbeing

 

Female Founder Focus: Ellen Armsden, Crewdentials