Q: Is Academic Work Academy the same as AW Academy or Academy?

Yes, indeed! AW Academy , founded in 2015, underwent a brand update in August 2022, but the core concept remains exactly the same. Academy is now officially one of Academic Work's services. The entity previously known as AW Academy has been rebranded as Brights . Brights is a specialist learning company and a sister company to Academic Work. Academic Work and Brights implement the Academy training programs through a close partnership: Academic Work: Responsible for organizing the training, managing the recruitment process, and handling the employment of the consultants after graduation. Brights: Responsible for the pedagogical content, the actual implementation of the training, and supporting the learners throughout the program.

Question 1

What is Academic Work Academy?

Accepted Answer

Academy is a concept by Academic Work through which we offer adult education based on accelerated learning for career changers. Our training enables a rapid career shift into the IT and technology sectors while providing companies with a way to find talent that is otherwise difficult to source.

Academy consists of three parts:

Recruitment Process: Measuring motivation and potential.
Intensive Training: Approximately 12 weeks of rigorous learning.
Guaranteed Job: Upon graduation, a secure position at Academic Work as a consultant at one of our client companies.

The training programs are organized in collaboration with our training partner, Brights.

Question 2

Who can apply to Academy?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can apply to Academic Work Academy, regardless of their previous background. The only absolute requirements are that you are of legal age (18+) and have fluent oral and written skills in both Finnish and English (approx. level C1).

Any potential program-specific additional requirements (such as a driver's license) will be stated on the specific training page. When selecting participants, we emphasize motivation, future potential, and the ability to learn new things. Additionally, skills and expertise gained from your previous career can be considered an advantage. We are looking for individuals who, through their commitment and ambition, can achieve anything—as long as they are given the right tools.

Question 3

What happens after graduating Academy?

Accepted Answer

Every graduate from our approximately 12-week job-guaranteed training program receives a permanent position at Academic Work. You will begin working at a client company as a staffed employee, also known as a consultant. This means Academic Work is your official employer, but in practice, you live and breathe the daily life of the client company.

Your employment begins immediately after the training, which means you start receiving a salary right away. Depending on the specific program:

The client company may already be known in advance (this will be mentioned on the training page).
OR Academic Work will find a client company for you from its own networks during the training period.

You can find the specific details for each program on its dedicated webpage.

Question 4

What if I don't pass the Academy training?

Accepted Answer

The pedagogy we use is based on continuous dialogue between the trainer and the learner. Your skills are tested weekly, and if you do not pass a test, you will receive additional assignments and a chance to retake it. We know that Academy is not an easy training program, and that is why we support you to the fullest through any bumps along the way. We want you to graduate just as much as you do.

However, we expect that your attitude is right, that you take responsibility for your own learning, and that you are ready to do everything you can to keep up with the intense pace. Almost 1,000 people have already graduated from Academy in Finland, and fewer than 20 have discontinued for various reasons. This means the probability of succeeding with honors is high when your motivation and attitude are in order! You will hear more about our assessment methods during the recruitment process.

Question 5

Can I study remotely?

Accepted Answer

You can find program-specific details on each training page. Most of our training programs are conducted as virtual implementations, which can be completed remotely. If you wish, you also have the option to come to our campus in Keilaniemi, Espoo—you will hear more about this during the training kick-off evening.

Question 6

What do I commit to if I am selected for Academy?

Accepted Answer

Those selected for the training program sign both a training agreement and a permanent employment contract with Academic Work before the pre-studies begin. The employment contract is conditional upon the successful completion of the training, and consultants commit to working for Academic Work for a period of 24 months.

The purpose of this commitment is to cover the training investment made by Academic Work through your work, which is invoiced to the client company based on the work you perform. You will hear more about this as the recruitment process progresses.

Working through Academic Work is a secure option, especially for someone starting a new career:

You get to start working immediately.
If your work at a client company ends for reasons beyond your control, Academic Work will find you a new assignment.

Question 7

Is Academic Work Academy the same as AW Academy or Academy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, indeed! AW Academy, founded in 2015, underwent a brand update in August 2022, but the core concept remains exactly the same.

Academy is now officially one of Academic Work's services. The entity previously known as AW Academy has been rebranded as Brights. Brights is a specialist learning company and a sister company to Academic Work.

Academic Work and Brights implement the Academy training programs through a close partnership:

Academic Work: Responsible for organizing the training, managing the recruitment process, and handling the employment of the consultants after graduation.
Brights: Responsible for the pedagogical content, the actual implementation of the training, and supporting the learners throughout the program.

Question 8

How does the recruitment process work?

Accepted Answer

The multi-stage recruitment process, which includes tests and interviews, aims to identify your potential. We assess whether your learning ability, personality, and motivation make you the right person to start the training and subsequent employment through Academic Work.

The Stages of the Recruitment Process

Online Application: Register by submitting your contact details and CV.
Psychometric Tests: Complete the Alva Labs personality and logical reasoning assessments immediately after applying.
Phone/Video Interview: A short initial discussion to go over the basics and your interest in the program.
Personal Interview: A more in-depth interview (often competency-based) to dive deeper into your motivation and suitability.
Reference Checks: Verifying your background and previous performance.
Final Selection: If successful, you will be invited to join the Academy program!

Question 9

Why does the recruitment process include suitability tests?

Accepted Answer

The training is intensive and places high demands on the participants. To earn your place in the training program, you must demonstrate your suitability for the curriculum. We verify this at the beginning of the recruitment process through psychometric tests provided by Alva Labs.

The process starts with a personality assessment, followed by a logical reasoning test that measures problem-solving skills and general cognitive ability. These tests help us identify candidates who have the natural aptitude to absorb a large amount of information in a very short time.

Question 10

How do the suitability tests work?

Accepted Answer

The selection process includes online psychometric tests that assess personality and logical reasoning. Once you have registered by submitting your contact details and CV, you will receive an email titled "Academic Work - Finland has invited you to complete an assessment" as soon as possible. Follow the link to the Alva Labs system to complete the tests. If you have already taken these tests for another recruitment process, you can reuse your existing results directly.

Preparation and Completion

Time: Set aside 40–45 minutes of uninterrupted, quiet time.
Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Format: The personality test has no time limit, whereas the logical reasoning test is timed.
One Chance: Tests cannot be retaken, so read the instructions in the test system carefully.
Flexibility: You don't have to do both tests at once; you can complete them in two separate sessions.

Finalizing the Application

Please note that the system will not automatically direct you from one test to the next; you must navigate to the second test yourself. Both tests must be completed to proceed in the application process.

The best way to ensure your tests are finished and the results are registered is to check your Applications (Hakemukset) page. When your view matches the structure shown in the system (indicating both sections are "Completed"), everything is in order, and you can wait for our email.

Question 11

How quickly will I know if I passed the suitability tests?

Accepted Answer

The system provides you with your test result reports immediately after you complete the tests, which you can use to support your own development. These test results will remain in the Alva system for the next 24 months for future recruitments at Academic Work.

Please note that you cannot see from the result reports or the Alva system how your performance compares to the specific thresholds required for Academy. We will contact you via email within five business days of the completion of the test results to let you know about the next steps in the application process.

Question 12

Can I get more information about my suitability test results?

Accepted Answer

The Alva test system gives you immediate access to your personal result reports after you finish the tests. You can use these reports to support your own professional development.

To access them:

Log in to the portal and click on Applications (Hakemukset).
Open the specific job application you submitted.
Under the Assessments (Arvioinnit) section, you will find a "View Results" (Katso tulokset) button for both tests.

Question 13

Can I apply for multiple training programs at the same time?

Accepted Answer

In Academy recruitment, one of the most important factors influencing selection is the applicant's motivation toward the core technology and the new job role. Therefore, we ask that you research the available training programs carefully in advance, consider which one is the most suitable and motivating for you, and apply for that specific one. If you advance in the recruitment process, you can mention to the recruiter that you are also open to other training programs!

While we do not explicitly forbid applying for more than one, please keep in mind that you can only advance in one Academy recruitment process at a time.

Question 14

I passed the suitability tests but would like to apply for another training program later. Can I reuse my results?

Accepted Answer

Test results are stored in our testing partner Alva’s portal for 24 months and are automatically available for future recruitments at Academic Work.

Question 15

What happens after the tests?

Accepted Answer

Within five business days, you will receive a message informing you whether your test results exceeded the required threshold for Academy. If your results exceed the threshold, you will receive instructions via email regarding the next steps in the process. Even if your results do not reach the required threshold, you will still be notified of this via email.

Question 16

Problems with the suitability tests?

Accepted Answer

If you experience issues with the tests, you can contact Alva Labs' customer support directly.

If you encounter problems during other stages of the application process, or if the issues with the tests remain unresolved, please contact us at academy@academicwork.fi. We will get back to you as soon as possible!

Question 17

Is the training free of charge?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the training is free for participants. This is possible because you commit to working through Academic Work for 24 months after graduation.

Academic Work invests in you by paying for your training. When you begin working at a client company through Academic Work, the client – who ultimately benefits from your new skills – pays back that investment by paying Academic Work for the work you perform. The training cost is not deducted from your salary.

Working through Academic Work is a secure option, especially for someone at the start of a new career:

You get to start working immediately.
If work at the client company ends for reasons beyond your control, Academic Work will look for a new assignment for you.

Question 18

Do you receive a salary during the training?

Accepted Answer

During the training period, you are entitled to loss of earnings compensation (ansionmenetyskorvaus). Its purpose is to cover a portion of your living expenses during the training, thereby lowering the threshold for applying. This compensation is provided by Academic Work and is considered taxable income. It is also possible to opt out of this payment if you wish.

Question 19

How long is the training, and can I study part-time?

Accepted Answer

Academy begins with one month of pre-studies, followed by the intensive training itself, which lasts approximately 12 weeks. All our training programs require a full-time commitment, meaning that studying alongside another job, for example, is not possible.

Lessons take place daily from roughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the studies also require the flexibility to review materials extensively during your free time if necessary. It is important to understand that while intensive training provides a lot, it also demands a great deal from the participant. You can always find the exact, program-specific schedules on the training's own webpage.

Question 20

What are the pre-studies all about?

Accepted Answer

Studying at Academy begins with approximately one month of pre-studies. Their goal is to create a consistent foundational knowledge for all participants, upon which further expertise is built during the training. The pre-study materials are distributed at the kick-off event about a month before the actual intensive training begins.

Even during the pre-studies, the learning progress of the trainees is monitored and supported. It is worth reserving enough time to complete these studies; on average, Academy alumni have reported spending 20–25 hours per week on them.

Question 21

What if I don't succeed in the training?

Accepted Answer

The pedagogy of our training partner, Brights, is based on continuous dialogue between the trainer and the learner. Your skills are tested weekly, and if you do not pass a test, you will receive additional assignments and a chance to retake it. We know that Academic Work Academy is not an easy training program, and that is why we support you to the fullest through any bumps along the way. We want you to graduate just as much as you do.

However, we expect that your attitude is right, that you take responsibility for your own learning, and that you are ready to do everything you can to keep up with the intense pace. Almost 1,000 new professionals have already graduated from Academic Work Academy in Finland, and only about ten have discontinued for various reasons. This means the probability of succeeding with honors is high when your motivation and attitude are in order! You will hear more about our assessment methods during the recruitment process.

Question 22

What is the salary level after training?

Accepted Answer

By graduating from Academy training, you become a junior specialist in the technology sector. The salary corresponds to the general salary level in the industry and always complies with the collective labor agreement. Unless otherwise stated on the application page, the starting salary upon graduation is €18/hour (approx. €2,844/month) or €20/hour (approx. €3,160/month) if you already have previous experience in the field.

Question 23

Is it possible to work fully remotely?

Accepted Answer

This depends entirely on the training program and the specific client company where you are employed after graduation. In many companies, it is possible to work at least partially remotely; some roles or companies require physical presence, while others offer the possibility for 100% remote work. You can always find this information on the page specific to each training program.

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