FDM Group | Careers Frequently Asked Questions

FDM Awards & Quotes

Featured in the Guardian UK 300

- Target Jobs, 2012

“We are thrilled to be recognised in The Guardian 300. The fact that we have made it into such an esteemed list is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, made all the better coming from student opinions. It is a great motivator in continuing to improve our training programmes and placement opportunities for graduates.” - Rod Flavell, FDM Chief Executive Officer

Leader of the Year - Sheila Flavell, COO

- Cisco everywoman in Technology Awards, 2012

“I am overjoyed and honoured to be recognised as Leader of the Year. It is proof to every hard working and passionate woman that females can succeed in a male dominated industry. The lack of women in technology is shocking [18 percent in the IT industry], and I will continue to ensure that our Female Champion and Women in IT campaigns provide advice and support to women in the IT industry.” - Sheila Flavell, FDM Chief Operating Officer

Training Department of the Year – Bronze Award

- The Learning Awards, 2012

“Training and development has always been at the heart of what we do at FDM and has allowed the 3,000 graduates we have taken on so far to progress in their careers.” - Rod Flavell, FDM Chief Executive Officer

18th place in 2012 Sunday Times Buyout Track 100

- Sunday Times, 2012

“It is an honour to be acknowledged for our continued success. Being placed as the top performing IT services provider is a direct result of the hard work and commitment of our staff, and being ranked in the top 20 overall is a huge achievement. With our ongoing leadership and innovation, we are determined to make 2012 the best year yet.” - Rod Flavell, FDM Chief Executive Officer

4th in The Top 50 Companies For Graduates To Work For

- JobCrowd.com, 2012/13

“One of the main reasons for our phenomenal expansion and success over the last twenty years is the fact that our employees genuinely enjoy their work and the environment they work in. We pride ourselves on maintaining a sociable yet motivating atmosphere and supporting all of our members of staff on an individual basis.” - Madeleine Field, FDM Recruitment Manager

IT Supplier of the Year - Medallist

- BCS & Computing UK IT Industry Awards 2011

“To have been shortlisted alongside internationally recognised companies is a true sign of our status as a leading IT services provider and graduate employer.” - Nabila Salem, FDM Global Marketing Manager

Company of the Year – Finalist

- Growing Business Awards, 2011

“To be nominated for such an influential award, which has provided top companies with the platform needed to take their businesses to the next level is truly exciting for us. We are incredibly proud of the fact that we have managed to sustain our phenomenal expansion throughout the economic downturn and view this nomination as an indication of all that we have achieved.”- Rod Flavell, FDM Chief Executive Officer

Frequently Asked Questions

FDM has helped over 3,000 individuals launch their IT careers through our award-winning Graduate Programme. By combining specialised IT training with high-profile roles in prestigious organisations, FDM has created a unique formula for career success. FDM is able to enhance your technical skills, business skills and commercial awareness, bridging the gap between university and employment. We are committed to giving you the best possible start in the IT sector and supporting you throughout your new career.

This collection of frequently asked questions provides brief answers to the most common questions asked about the FDM Graduate Programme. We welcome queries regarding our programme so if you still have questions then please contact our Graduate Recruitment team on 0207 256 3570 to discuss the opportunities we have to offer.

What is the FDM Graduate Programme?

The FDM Graduate Programme includes circa 10 to 16 weeks of full-time training where trainees learn all of the skills required to become an FDM IT Consultant. We have five academies across the UK, US and Germany which provide fast-track skills development to graduates from a range of disciplines. Once you have completed your training you will begin working on technical placements on our client sites for a minimum of two years.

How do I apply for the FDM Graduate Programme?

Apply via our online application form. However, before you apply it is important to consider if you meet the suitability criteria and which one of our graduate roles best suits your career aspirations.

What happens next?

Once we have received your application we will screen it for suitability and will conduct a telephone interview with candidates who meet the criteria. If you are successful at this stage we will invite you to an assessment day at one of our academy training centres. If you pass the assessment day, FDM will offer you a position on our FDM Graduate Programme. For more information about this process please read about the FDM assessment and selection process.

Is it essential for me to have an IT degree?

No. FDM accepts graduates with a range of related degrees such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering and Electronics. However, if you have gained IT experience outside a non-IT related degree, you may find it worthwhile coming along to an FDM careers event to find out more. Business, Economics and related degrees are also considered, especially for our Project Analyst (PMO) stream.

Can I do my training part-time or at home?

No. The FDM Graduate Programme takes place Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:30 at an FDM office. Your intensive training course is designed to prepare you for a demanding career in IT within a professional environment.

What training will I receive?

There are six training streams for you to select from, helping you to become a Project Analyst, Java Developer, .Net Developer, Software Test Analyst, Infrastructure Support Analyst or Application Support Analyst.

What if I already have IT accreditations or qualifications that FDM offers?

In this case, you would be at an advantage if you have previous experience in any of the accreditations or qualifications that we offer. However you would still need to attend the training for that module in order to demonstrate these competencies so that we can confidently recommend you to our clients.

Will I have to pay for my training?

No, the training you receive through the FDM Graduate Programme is funded by FDM on the condition that you commit to work for us for two years. However, during the training period you are not paid by FDM and you will begin to receive a salary when you embark on your first placement as an FDM Consultant. This means that you should be prepared to fund your own travel, accommodation and subsistence yourself until you commence your first placement.

What streams are offered at each FDM training academy?

London: Java Development, .Net Development, Application Support Analysis, Infrastructure Support Analysis, Project Analysis (PMO), Software Test Analysis

Manchester: Java Development, .Net Development, Software Test Analysis, Project Analysis (PMO)

Brighton: Software Test Analysis

New York City: Java Development, .Net Development, Application Support Analysis, Project Analysis (PMO)

Frankfurt: Java Development, .Net Development, Application Support Analysis, Infrastructure Support Analysis, Software Test Analysis, Project Analysis (PMO)

What happens when I complete my training?

Our account management team will meet with you whilst you are in your training period and will be working in the background to secure your first placement. When you have successfully completed your training you will be available for client roles; once selected for placement, you start a two-year salaried job with FDM as an IT Consultant. During these two years, you could be placed on one or more of our client sites.

What is the FDM Master Class Programme?

Employees who show exceptional IT skills in the Software Development streams are invited to complete a three-year MSc in Applied Computer Science, funded by FDM. You are also expected to complete IT industry placements with leading companies during the Master Class Programme, as the MSc is designed as a distance learning part-time qualification.

Where will I be working on completion of my training?

On completion of your training you could be working across the UK, Europe, USA or Asia Pacific. You do not have to work internationally, but we have plenty of opportunities for those who wish to do so. FDM Consultants must be prepared for placements on client sites anywhere within the UK.

What companies will I be working with?

You will be working on site with our clients, such as: HSBC, UBS, BSkyB, Credit Suisse, Betfair, Swiftcover and The AA to name a few. You may end up working at the same place for the whole two years, or you may be placed on various client sites throughout that time.

Am I paid a salary during my two years of placements?

Yes. Following your training you will be an employee of FDM on a two-year contract of employment as one of our IT Consultants. Once you have commenced your first placement with one of our clients, you will earn a salary. In the UK, Consultants earn circa £21,000 in their first year and circa £24,000 in their second year. During this two-year period you may undergo placements with one or numerous clients, but you are still an FDM employee and will be paid by FDM.

Will I receive support from FDM if I have to relocate for placements?

If you are required to relocate to complete one of your work placements you may be eligible for assistance with your travel and/or accommodation – this is determined on a case-by-case basis and is at FDM’s discretion.

What happens at the end of the two years?

At the end of your two years you have a number of options to progress your career further within the IT sector. You will still be an FDM employee earning an attractive salary and working for an award-winning company. However, you are no longer contractually bound to remain with the company and can pursue other avenues if you would like, such as transitioning into permanent employment with a client you have been placed with.

FDM continues to provide our Senior Consultants with demanding and fulfilling technical placements with our prestigious clients. They also have the option of pursuing roles internally, such as becoming an FDM Trainer. No matter how you choose to progress your IT career, you will have two years of excellent IT experience gained through the highly reputable FDM Graduate Programme.