Understanding the challenge

The client’s own recruitment program focussed on one large graduate intake per year. Consequently, this did not address project staffing needs that arose at other times.

With access to a top selection of graduates through our strong relationships with Australian universities and year-round recruiting FDM proposed a pipeline of talent that could be readily available to work on projects throughout the year or in particular technology areas.

Initial discovery was conducted with FDM’s product owner, who spent time with the client’s teams to determine the required skill sets for their projects. Project-ready consultants would be needed to increase efficiencies with agility and functionality and help leverage cloud capabilities to enable transformation.

The annual intake and rotational operation within the company was seen to contribute to a high attrition rate of junior talent. FDM could increase retention of talent and IP by recruiting for resilience and attitude, linking talent to specific engagements, and ensuring diverse teams.

Multiple roles, to order

FDM partnered with the client to plan and develop a customised Skills Lab program which combined our Business Analysis and Business Intelligence services.

To support the client’s specific requirements, the 9-week course included SQL, Excel VBA, Business Analysis Foundation, BI and Data Warehousing Concepts, Extract, Transform, Load (ETL), and Data Visualisation.

We advised involving the client at the early interview stage, focussing on finding the right individuals with the core technical and professional skills needed. Consultants were then equipped for roles including Integration Developer, Data Analyst, Migration Business Analyst, ETL Developer Profiling and Migration Strategy consultant and Remediation consultant, working on projects from finance business transformation to data migration.

A growing relationship

The client successfully onboarded 45 FDM Consultants across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, achieving a 50% gender split, and has since taken on over 100 consultants, expanding locations to include Perth and Canberra.

From design to execution

Consultant responsibilities included using SQL and SSIS to design, develop and deploy ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) projects. They helped plan, manage and execute business critical data migrations, assisting with legacy technology simplification and ensuring the clean and accurate migration of data.

Bespoke tools and expertise

Using CloverDX for data profiling, they prepared test cases, producing data visualisation reports with Power BI. They performed analysis of complex data types using DAX and debugged integration APIs for seamless connectivity.

The tools and technologies used include Mulesoft, Atlassian (Jira, Confluence), TortoiseSVN, Postman, SoapUI, SQL, Microsoft Visual, Studio GITLab, Test Rail and SSMS.

Devising a development strategy

FDM implemented a career progression plan, starting consultants at entry-level and facilitating advancement based on skill set and performance, resulting in a high retention rate. Many FDM Alumni have since transitioned into senior roles, leading projects and participating in the recruitment process for new consultants.

Facilitating ongoing expansion

The client relationship has expanded geographically and in scope, including new programs such as a school leavers program. Ultimately, FDM provided an ongoing talent pipeline, supporting the client’s technology consulting operations’ scalability.