The training is very outdated and gives very little preparation for life on site.
The computer equipment is diabolical, 2GB of Ram in development machines when I was training.
No real retention rates after the two years so very few experienced consultants to talk to.
Not many internet providers run 3 or 4 month contracts, FDM contracts can run that short so you are expected to suck it an and pay 6 months yourself or not have internet.
No ongoing training unless the client does it themselves.
If the workers at the client do not understand how much of a rookie you are prepare to feel like a burden.
No real choice in what you end up doing.
Very low pay especially compared to other "consulting" companies (Deloitte, Cap Gemini Accenture etc.).
No sick pay.
Bank holidays basically replace a paid holiday day so you end up with 8 unpaid holiday days, 8 bank holiday days, 9 paid holiday days and 3 compulsory holiday days over christmas.
Stupid rules when training such as no headphones when coding alone, tie worn at all times etc.
The rules that apply to trainees don't apply to other people in the office. This creates an us and them mentality.
The trainers often have no experience in industry.
The system to access payslips only works on internet explorer, a technology that even Microsoft are moving away from with edge.
Again with the payslip system, it doesn't work on Macbooks, if your client doesn't allow use of the internet for non approved sites you can't access your payslips.
Even though the clients are the ones putting all the effort into training etc. FDM still try bleed them dry if they wish to keep you post contract.
You can be fired during training for being late or ill and will be charged £20,000.
If account managers treat you like crap and you argue back you can be fired and.... charged £20,000
