Pros
A way to break into tech in today’s market. Wide range of training available across tech. Great trainers/academy team and trainees. Many opportunities to upskill. Paid training certificates.
Cons
The problems start to arise during and after training where it becomes clear there is no plan for each academy trainee. They can place you in any role whether it suits you or not. Many people have been given service desk/support roles when they have stated it does not align with their career goals. Waiting for a role could take a few weeks or on a few occasions up to a year where you are paid the bursary £400 per month. You are expected to be available full time and have check ins twice per week. Even after being placed, you are paid just above minimum wage. There are many people who had worse experiences than me, especially from sales team. Being pressured into taking roles that aren’t suited. Training agreement also give you no stability. They last only 3 months and they will keep giving you a new one after the 3 months. You will never know whether they will keep you or not. Some people haven’t been placed with clients and let go after a training agreement ends.