Pros
Superb training facilities at the academy in Salford Quays, Manchester. The current trainers at the academy made the 3 months a worthwhile experience. They really know their stuff and are on hand to help and answer any questions you may have. This sentiment also extends the other staff members in the Manchester office. Jordan is pivotal in preparing the trainees to go to interviews with clients. It is very apparent that the work he has put into the preparation process gets you comfortable with the interview process (as there might be a couple). I could talk about everyone individually at the academy as there is a fantastic atmosphere within the office where you are made to feel very welcome encouraged to be as active as possible both in the classroom and outside of it. Great opportunities for events at the company. During the academy there is a welcome drinks every 6 weeks or so with a healthy bar tab at a local pub. We've just had our company summer update at a roof top bar in London for the current consultants deployed in the area. This is a great chance to see some old faces from the academy, network with other consultants and have a chat with the CEO. And again, another healthy tab put behind the bar! Regarding deployment, you'll get the chance to work for some of the incredible clients QA have. In many cases these clients do not take on graduates so you'll be in a very good position to start a career in technology. The engagement team whilst you are on-site have been brilliant with any question I had for them. Almost all of their clients have a QA consultant as a liaison officer so you will be put in touch with them and you can ask any of the day to day questions to them. Any bigger problems the Engagement team are on hand to solve the issue you might have.
Cons
Naturally, the three months of unpaid training is not ideal but you are made very aware of that before signing up to any commitments. You will be offered accommodation for the three months or a bursary of £650 p/m. Communication is always a big problem in a role like this. Sometimes I have felt a little left in the dark with things like interview feedback, security clearance (if required) and on-site information. However, this is getting better. The newly implemented Consultant Engagement team Team is there to support the consultants with the problems they may have. This includes technical support and training, welfare, administrative tasks and anything you could really think of. Ultimately, it is up to you to maintain the communication. I quickly realised that if I don't chase the issue or ask questions, no one is going to answer them. So please keep that in mind.