Pros
I had a very lucky start in my career thanks to QA, without the roles I was given I would not be where I am now and I can only thank QA for that. Yes sometimes things do not go the way you want them to but that is the same in most companies I would assume. Some of my peers had it a little worse than me but I think it is all learning curve and you just have to get on with it which I did and I am very happy I did! My role was in DevOps in londonwhich is not what I originally wanted but it taught me a much wider range of skills that I am now using in my current role. The training throughout my time at QA allowed me to get multiple cloud certifications behind my belt and certainly helped me with where I am now. My tech guide made it easy to book in training and I had 3 training days per year that I was still paid for. I think I ended up taking 5-6 so that isn't even really the limit which was useful considering I had just started my career, I didn't have to use much of my own time. The support I had whilst I was on-site was consistent and thoroughly appreciated. My liaison was always there to help me and definitely took the pressure off whilst I was on client site. I'd like to thank her for always answering and being there for me even if I was a pesterer.
Cons
lack of discussion with regards to the fees, I think they should go down after 1 year for my peers who were really not happy/in difficult situations. listen to your consultants if you want us to stay! recognise your staff! not just consultants but everyone working with consultants, they are some peoples only reason for staying with you, only reason I lasted over two years.