Yeah, knowing a few things about the programme helps with your questions. So make sure you ask loads during the presentation - this accommodation being one of the questions.
You are also right about the reviews. My goodness, when I started doing some research into the program, I was taken aback by the negative reviews. They weren't helpful AT ALL. So I started doing deep searches - asking few people I know that had gone through the program. A mate of mine got back to me and stated the same thing I had in mind - a very good source of experience (primarily) and a way to 'get your foot through the doors' - if that makes sense. Now, this mate of mine works in Barclays Wealth (HSBC post FDM).
After this, I started going through LinkedIn profiles and I was quite pleased in a positive way, with the roles these profiles had post-FDM. This is the force pushing me to go with it. 2 years right - should go quick, I've been told.
About placement post training, I've heard this. They state if after 90 days, they are unable to place you into a role, you would be released from the contract and not expected to pay anything. And like you said, you walk away with qualifications.
On the flip side, if after you have been placed, you were released from the place of work or the contract (with the workplace you were placed) ran out and they couldn't place you in another role. I learnt you would be expected to report to their office for internal work (or further training - unsure about this). Now, I'm concerned as this would be a gap on one's CV and worst of all - No pay during the duration of you waiting to be put back into work. Only good thing is, it counts towards your overall 2 years. And at this point, they would expect you take any role, even if it is not the type of role you wanted - this I got from research. So it would be beneficial if you ask for specifics during the assessment day.
So, at the end of it all, I am hopeful that all will go well and will be placed in a role I like/want - a good role as well.