Pros
Firstly, the training for the basic professional skills is great however these could be easily learnt via youtube videos or independently. It also very much depends on your style of professionalism, whether you are very formal or prefer to keep a more relaxed tone in your professionalism. Secondly, there is some assistance for mental health issues. One downside I had to this was it came into play once I had been signed off sick for a number of weeks from stress and depression. There is at least one very kind HR Business Partner and Account Manager but these were the exception to the rule. Thirdly, it is a great way for graduates or ex-forces to move into a professional role.
Cons
Firstly, the training has ceased to provide a professional qualification to new trainees. This means that the training received is significantly less desirable. The training process is tough but the behaviour of some account managers throughout presentations is stunningly abysmal. Secondly, you will not get paid until your first placement. You have to stay after your training for up to 90 days without pay. This means you could end up not being paid for around 24 weeks. This is insane. My finances still haven't recovered. Thirdly, you will be placed anywhere in the UK (or abroad if you say yes once). The lie that was sold to me was "90% of consultants trained in Scotland get placed in Scotland, 90% of consultants trained in Leeds get placed in the North, and 90% of consultants trained in London get placed in London". This was a lie. The truth is 100% of consultants will be placed wherever there is a job that needs filling. Fourthly, there is no such thing as free will within FDM. Once you sign the dotted line, you've sold your soul to the devil. You have no choice where you will be placed, how long you will be placed, or what company you will be placed with. When you end up in a role that isn't suited to you, you will not have the option of moving. You will be told to stick it out until the end of you contract...which will then be extended...multiple times. Fifthly, a common gripe all FDMers have is that the pay is low and the benefits are minimal. The pay is crazy low. To pay as minimal as possible but charge you out at an extortion rate is unethical. There could be some forgiveness on the pay if there were more that 17 days holiday that you can choose when to take (you do get 20 but 3 of these are used at Christmas as prescribed by FDM). Finally, the disparity between the streams is unacceptable. Where the advanced ex-forces consultants receive three professional qualifications, graduates receive one at best. Throughout training, graduates can claim travel expenses, ex-military get food and travel. Where all graduates are immediately on full geo-flex, ex-forces and back to business have limited geo-flex as standard.
