Common questions
What we hear most often. Missing something? Ask us.
- 01
What distinguishes Ignite from other trainee programs?
A focus on production-ready AI delivery rather than general consulting training. You graduate with one recognisable title (Ignite Certified Consultant) and a public portfolio of real AI deliveries, built on a delivery standard clients recognise.
- 02
Can I switch tracks during the program?
You state your preferred track during onboarding in the portal, and the final track is confirmed by the program lead after the opening gathering. For the first four weeks you can request a change yourself; after that, changes are made by the program lead based on a documented rationale.
- 03
What if my client project doesn't involve AI?
The program lead follows up with each Igniter quarterly on AI exposure. If client work doesn't provide enough exposure, you rotate or get a slot in the internal Ignite Case Pool.
- 04
How do you measure quality at graduation?
Continuous evidence gathering throughout the year, combined with oral defence in June. The rubric is explicit and published internally before start — you know from day one what you're assessed on.
- 05
What happens if I don't reach the level?
There is no 'fail' tier. If someone obviously cannot hold the Ignite standard, it becomes an HR conversation about consulting fit. Never a silver/gold stamp.
- 06
How much of my work time goes to the program?
The shared activities (masterclass, dojo) take roughly 3–4 hours per week, placed within working hours — daytime Wednesday and late afternoon Thursday. On top of that comes 1–2 hours of own work (prework and homework) that you place whenever it suits you, and two weekend gatherings (17–18 October and 13–14 March). The commitment is real, but distributed and predictable — and no single week requires more than about 4 hours.
- 07
Do I need OSS contributions before I start?
No. OSS contribution is a graduation requirement, not an admission requirement. We help you find your first contribution early in the program.
- 08
What if I leave Capgemini during the program?
Then you exit the program. You cannot complete Ignite outside Capgemini. Partial completion yields no certificate.
- 09
How physical is the program?
Four in-person gatherings: Onboarding 1–4 September (4 days), a weekend gathering 17–18 October (Sat+Sun), a weekend gathering 13–14 March (Sat+Sun) and Graduation in June (2 days). Masterclasses are held in person. Online courses run on Teams with recordings. Some courses can also be done in pairs at the office.
- 10
How are Alliance partners selected?
Strategic clients with real AI ambition who are willing to release an employee for 10 months. Capgemini sales and program lead together. Alliance is an exclusive extension — not every client is a fit.
- 11
Do I get to choose my Catalyst?
Every Igniter is paired with a Catalyst — an experienced colleague who follows you through the year with short monthly check-ins. Your Catalyst is assigned by the program lead based on track, background and city. You can request a change if it is not working.
- 12
Does the content change during the year?
Yes. The structure (6 phases, 42 courses) is fixed. Content is updated quarterly based on where the market is. Changes are documented with history so you know what you saw when you started.