Learner feedback — One learner's experience on top Firebrand courses in the UK and Germany

At Firebrand, we believe in continuously getting better at what we do and we celebrate learners who embody this ethos.

We recently sat down with Adele Reed, who has taken more than 20 courses with us over the past 10 years, including our most extensive and most difficult. 

Let’s find out more about her amazing feat!

Adele came across Firebrand while working in Dubai. She wanted to train in Oracle OCA & OCP, maybe a bootcamp—and found a 2-week course that appealed to her.

“At the time, the FastPass bundle allowed me to attend as many courses as I wanted to in 2 years for 15K. I happened to be investing in my development and the Firebrand offer was too good to pass up.

“I called Firebrand Sales. Oracle OCA & OCP was around 8K for a 10-12 day course, so it was a no-brainer to map it against the FastPass. Then I got hooked. The bundle has changed since, but, invariably, Alex [Georgalla], my Account Manager, helps me get the best value for money!

“Your instructors are always top-notch—the one for PRINCE2®, plus a bloody-good American guy for EC-Council CCISO. I also like the personal touch: Firebrand instructors take a vested interest in their students and how well they do in the exams and are more than happy to connect via email or LinkedIn. One of them lives in Scotland, but we still keep in contact. They really go above and beyond. Other training companies just can't compete. 

“I also love the training environment; being able to network with like-minded professionals really makes the experience that much better! The Firebrand Customer Service experience is really second to none. Paul Templeton [Wyboston Lakes Training Centre Manager] is like family to me; any problems get resolved there and then, no questions asked. I messaged Paul once to open the exam centre up for me at the training centre–from his hospital bed he passed on another number and still helped me! 

“I prefer to be physically present in a room, put my hand up and ask questions, so most of my training is at Wyboston Lakes. I love networking and studying with peers in the evenings; Paul says, “If you want me to ever open up the test centre, we’ll open it up for you!” I've also seen that you've initiated City Centre learning, a newer opportunity to be closer to some of your customers. That’s excellent news that you're listening to your customers' needs and making it easier for them!

“This goes for the Firebrand international centres too. I saw a course you were offering in Germany, thought it would add another string to my bow—so I went to Freiburg. ISO 22301 Lead Implementer happened to be taught by Andrew Calverley, who had previously taught my ISO 27001 LI & LA. The Training Centre happened to be near the train station, so travel was very straightforward; also, the course was taught in English, so no language barriers. Passed the exam too!

"I'm actually studying for a few exams right now and hoping to pass before the year ends: ISC2 Certified in Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC) and ISC2 CISSP-ISSMP. So Fingers Crossed!”

Many thanks for your feedback, Adele, and good luck on your exams!