If you are well qualified and good at what you do, you don't need these so called "job chop shops" in the first place. But again, for various reason people go to these companies either for placement or to maintain status or for whatever you call it. Many people have successfully got placement and are working just fine. Some people can't do their job and when they get fired , they cry like a little girl.That's the reality. If someone is from accounting background and they want to get into IT from "One month IT training" well we all know how its gonna end. Bottom line is - supply and demand. As long as there is a need these consultancies will always have the upper hand. About the pay they start out with decent salary, you can't expect to get $65K+i specially if you are fresh off the boat and cry about it.