Nicola Webb

From Young Enterprise Student to KPMG Student Recruitment Operations Officer

Nicola Webb’s journey with Young Enterprise began in 2016 while she was in Sixth Form in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Taking part in the Company Programme sparked her interest in business and gave her the confidence to explore opportunities she hadn’t previously considered. Her team created Drinksafe, a plastic lid designed to prevent drink spiking, raising funds, sourcing the product from the United States, and progressing through the Oldham and Greater Manchester finals. Nicola also won the North West Student Journey Award and placed second nationally — early signs of the determination that would shape her career. 

Reflecting on her experience, Nicola says: “I took part in the Company Programme in 2016, and the lessons I learnt during this experience and the skills that I built, I still use today. Young Enterprise empowers young people to never stop learning, build networks and think boldly, all whilst working as a team and drawing strengths from our differences.” 

It was at the Oldham Final that Nicola first connected with KPMG. After being spotted by a Director, she completed a week’s work experience at the Manchester office, gaining exposure to different departments and professionals. A conversation with an apprentice during that placement inspired her to apply for KPMG’s six‑year apprenticeship programme — a route that would allow her to rotate across audit, tax, consulting and advisory before specialising and working toward professional qualifications. 

Nicola began her apprenticeship in 2017, completing her first three years and earning university‑equivalent qualifications. She progressed to become an Accounting Technician and, by 2025, had taken on a new role as Student Recruitment Operations Officer at KPMG — a position that allows her to support the next generation entering the world of work. 

Nicola credits Young Enterprise with giving her the skills that helped her stand out early on: “Taking part in Company Programme introduced me to the ‘world of work’. Having to make strategic decisions, speak to suppliers and customers, and work within a team of people full of different ideas provided me with an introduction to adult life. The experiences I had aided me in interviews when applying for apprenticeships after sixth form.” 

She highlights how the programme develops the soft skills employers value most: “Company Programme provides invaluable ‘soft skills’ that can often be overlooked, but the ability to hold conversations with stakeholders, the confidence to present to a group, and being able to adapt and work with various people who have a multitude of ideas are all skills that are key to having a successful career.” 

Alongside her role, Nicola uses her annual volunteering hours to serve as a Schools Champion. She works closely with schools in less advantaged areas — including her hometown of Oldham — to help students understand the breadth of opportunities available to them. Through business challenges, workshops and talks from KPMG colleagues, she helps young people build confidence and raise their aspirations. Her story has already inspired students from her former school to pursue opportunities at KPMG. She believes strongly in the power of programmes like Young Enterprise to open doors: “The next generation are going to be our future leaders… by partnering with Young Enterprise and supporting the Company Programme, you are doing just that.”