Frequently Asked Questions
Anything else you need to know about FDM Academy?
If you can’t find the answer to your question here, email us or call us free on 0800 612 2086.
Where will I train?
For the specialist modules of your training, you will be expected to attend one of our training centres in Brighton, London (City), Manchester, Frankfurt, Luxembourg or New York. All of FDM’s offices are fully equipped with state of the art facilities, including flat screen PC's and air-conditioning. Trainees can count on the thorough support from our highly experienced trainers. The training runs from 9.00am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
How long will the training take?
That is entirely up to you! The Academy Programme is self-paced, so the more time you commit to the training, the quicker you’ll graduate. We expect most people to have completed the training within three months.
How do I apply?
If you’re interested in applying for the Academy Programme, go to Next Steps and enter your details, ensuring that you upload a copy of your CV. Your details will then be assessed and if you meet our criteria and your submitted response is in accordance with FDM’s Terms & Conditions, you will be invited to attend one of our regular Assessment & Interview Sessions.
Where will I be working?
If you’re a European passport holder – it could be anywhere within the EU. If you have trained in the USA, then it may be in any location in the States. For all roles regardless of where you are based, we would ask that you be flexible and be prepared to work away from home on a regular basis for up to two years.
What happens if I’ve graduated from the Academy Programme and you can’t find a client assignment for me?
FDM recruits trainees who have the ability and aptitude to complete the training programme. We will not hire candidates unless we are fully confident that you will make the grade! For those that pass the assessments and are offered a place on the Academy Programme, FDM makes a commitment. We will train you to a standard whereby you will achieve certification. When you have graduated from the programme, you will gain commercial experience with us. In fact FDM believes in the success of the Academy Programme to the extent that if you are not working on a client assignment 90 days after you’ve graduated – you can walk away from FDM with no liability.
What is it like working for FDM?
During your first two years you will on average work on three client assignments. You will maintain regular contact with FDM, although at some sites you may end up being treated as an employee of the client. Often you will be part of a team of external contractors, which may include other Mounties. We hold regular reviews with you and at 18 months we will discuss whether you wish to remain with FDM beyond your two years.
What happens when I sign the Training Agreement?
If you pass all the assessments within the SQL Seminar (technical, sales and HR), you will receive a thorough contract briefing and be offered to sign the Training Agreement on the final day. During the next 14-days you have the right to cancel the contract at any time. You may also be expected to finalise some aspects of the technical assessment you were set during the seminar. After the 14-days have elapsed and both yourself and FDM are satisfied - congratulations, you are now an FDM Trainee!
What will happen if I leave before the end of my two-year commitment?
You will not have fulfilled your obligation to work for us for two years and FDM will invoice you for all the training you have received, which can be up to £20,000.
Why are FDM's Consultants called Mounties?
The ‘Mountie’ name comes from the village of Mountfield, England where in 1984 the concept of airline training was brought to the IT sector. The idea of linking a training programme to employment already existed for pilots who needed high quality mentorship and experience to succeed. Through this same method, FDM provides a unique opportunity for individuals seeking a career in IT. The name Mountie is given to people in recognition of successful completion of this ground-breaking and innovative training & employment programme.
Who is a typical Mountie?
FDM has been helping people from all walks of life and backgrounds, from graduates with no experience to IT professionals with 10-15 years experience in older technologies, who are looking to retrain and learn newer skills. Our training is designed to help you reach your goal quickly and effectively in your own time, using our proven and modern teaching methods.
Are manuals and books provided?
Yes. We also pay for all the exams you will take in order to gain your accreditations.
What books would you recommend?
If you wanted to prepare for the courses, we would suggest you read
the following books: ‘Head First Java’, 2nd Edition; or ‘The Complete
Java 2 Certification Study Guide’.
For our .Net course – ‘Visual C#.Net’ or ‘Asp.Net’ and ‘Ado.Net”.
If you are hoping to join the Test Analyst Programme - buy ‘Software
Testing’ (ISBN 0672319837) or ‘Testing Object-Orientated Systems’ (ISBN
0201809389).
And for the Application Support Stream, we recommend – ‘An Introduction
to Global Financial Markets’, by Stephen Valdez, ‘Options, Futures and
Other Derivatives’ by John C. Hull, ‘Derivatives Demystified: a
Step-by-Step Guide to Forwards, Futures, Swaps and Options’ by Andrew
M. Chisholm.
Are your training courses approved or endorsed?
Our training courses have been approved by the Institute of IT Training (IITT) who have recognised that FDM has created a training environment where we can offer training, support and skills transfer, in a friendly and professional manner. We are partners with Sun and Microsoft and we regularly review our training course content with our customers and candidates in mind.
What is the pass rate in the exams?
100% of our trainees pass the exams. We have set a new industry standard with the average pass mark for students taking the Sun Certification exam of 84% against a national average of 61%.
What if I don't pass the exams?
It's quite simple; we will discuss what went wrong and help you pass with additional training and resource. We want you to succeed and will help you get through the exams!
When can I start training?
Providing you have been successful at the Assessment & Interview Session, and our assessors have reviewed and accepted your application (after receiving your CV and contact details) then we will make the first part of the training programme available to you.
What happens during the Assessment & Interview Sessions?
This is an opportunity for you to meet our trainers and view a presentation that covers what’s on offer with FDM. You will be interviewed and undergo an aptitude and logic Test. You can also ask questions and find out more about FDM.
Who can join the Academy?
This is a training and career path that is available to anyone with suitable potential. We encourage applicants who have some basic knowledge of IT (an operating system, database or programming skill). We have no set age limits and would consider retraining suitable candidates who have had a completely different career in the past.
I haven't taken an IT related degree, am I still able to apply?
Yes, we welcome candidates from all disciplines, but certainly some basic knowledge of IT is essential.
When is your closing date?
You'll be glad to know that we recruit all year round!
Are there opportunities for me to travel overseas?
We are an international company and we do have opportunities for working abroad. However, most positions are within the UK and mainland Europe, and we expect candidates to be prepared to work in these locations for up to two years.
What is your diversity policy?
We recruit from a wide range of countries, religions, and ethnic backgrounds and from all walks of life. As a global company, we work hard to ensure that our hiring policy reflects our international presence.
Is there any age restriction?
Definitely not: we welcome applications from people of all ages.
