Think twice before joining in - Recensione dipendente - Academy Consultant presso Ten10

My Experience with Ten10 Academy Programme After completing the Ten10 Academy Programme, I feel compelled to share my experience and highlight the significant issues that I encountered during my time there. In my view, Ten10 is not a company I would consider returning to, and here’s why: A Misleading Start On the surface, Ten10’s Academy Programme promises a range of opportunities to break into tech, even for those without prior experience. They claim to offer roles such as Software Tester, Developer, Business Analyst, Project Manager, and more, across sectors like Cyber Security and DevOps. Initially, this seems impressive, giving the impression of great career progression. However, the reality is far from this idealised picture. The company recruits from diverse backgrounds, even those from non-tech sectors, and offers training to help you transition into the tech world. The process sounds good in theory: a clear and straightforward interview process followed by seven weeks of broad core training, and then specialised training in one of the advertised areas. Training That Falls Short The core training is supposed to provide you with a broad understanding of tech, but the depth simply isn’t there. One-week sessions on complex topics do not provide the expertise needed to truly excel in a specific role. While there are some passionate trainers, many appear disinterested or unprepared, making the training experience feel disorganised and frustrating. Moreover, the so-called "soft skills" , which is emphasised as one of the programme's key benefits, is delivered inconsistently. Depending on the instructor, you might either receive valuable feedback or be left without clear guidance, making the entire process feel subjective and unfair. Placement Reality The true challenge begins once training is completed. The programme’s main selling point is client placements, but in practice, you may find yourself waiting for months—often up to a year—without any actual work. Despite completing training in areas like Software Development or Business Analysis, the company often pressures you to take roles that do not align with your aspirations. The message is clear: “keep an open mind,” but the reality is that you might have little choice in the matter. If a low-level service desk or testing role is available, you will likely be pushed into it, even if it doesn’t match your skills or career goals. While the sales team is responsible for finding client opportunities, the reality is that placements are sparse, and the process feels more like a waiting game than a true career launch. For those on the bench, the pay is minimal (£400 per month for UK consultants, which may have even decreased due to financial struggles), making it difficult to sustain yourself while waiting for work. Disconnected Leadership and Poor Support What stood out most during my time at Ten10 was the lack of support and respect shown to Academy Consultants. Conversations about performance and placements were often held behind closed doors, making the environment feel secretive and uncomfortable. While the two ARC representatives elected by the cohort attempted to improve the situation, it often felt like their efforts were ignored by Ten10’s management. Moreover, there is a sense of neglect once you’re placed with a client. Academy Consultants often find themselves left in the dark, with little to no ongoing support from Ten10, especially if they are not actively working with a client. Unrealistic Expectations and Lack of Transparency The company’s approach to career growth feels outdated and misaligned with current industry standards. For instance, while they promise roles in high-demand tech fields like BA, Data, Software, DevOps or Cyber Security, they often end up pushing consultants into roles that are unrelated to these fields like service desk. This misalignment between expectations and reality was one of the most disappointing aspects of my time at Ten10. It also became clear that Ten10’s model is outdated. The company seems disconnected from the current job market and struggles to sell the capabilities of their Academy Consultants to potential clients. The lengthy delays in finding placements reflect this disconnect and make the whole experience feel like a gamble. Additionally, it’s important to note that the compensation structure isn’t transparent. Ten10 takes a cut from the client’s payment, and this deduction is never disclosed to consultants. This leaves consultants with a significantly lower take-home pay than they might expect. Final Thoughts In summary, Ten10’s Academy Programme does not deliver on its promises. The training is overly broad and insufficient to truly prepare you for a specialised role. The placement process is frustratingly slow, and many Academy Consultants are pushed into low-level, unrelated roles simply to fill gaps. The lack of support, transparency, and unrealistic expectations surrounding career growth make it difficult to recommend Ten10 to anyone seeking a meaningful career in tech.