Understanding the challenge

FDM’s account management team met with the client, identifying a need for motivated DevOps talent, especially in the .NET framework. Due to high demand and limited supply of these skills, securing 10 consultants was a significant challenge.

While FDM’s Software Engineering Practice typically produces talent with strong technical skills, the client required DevOps engineers with a mix of soft skills and technical expertise beyond typical software engineering roles.

To better understand the client’s needs, we connected them with the head of our Australian Skills Lab. They designed a set of sprints to provide consultants with exposure to specific tools and applications used on the project, including testing tools such as Cucumber. This was possible through FDM’s global expertise pool, meeting niche tech stack requirements on demand.

The client also wanted a diverse team of consultants who could connect personally and professionally, be adaptable and proactive, and relocate to Sydney for in-person training and then Melbourne for the client assignment. The client’s objective was to retain and internalise them after 24 months.

Bespoke talent meets niche requirements 

The program began with a detailed timeline covering recruitment, training and consultant assignment. FDM defined the timeframe to meet specific talent needs, expanding from traditional Java upskilling to include .NET and DevOps. To attract the best talent in the market, we used targeted job advertisements and leveraged from our university partnerships, building on our existing talent pool. After a 4-6 week recruitment period focusing on attitude and adaptability, we presented a shortlist of candidates for client selection.

FDM designed a customised training program for a cross-functional team skilled in DevOps and application development. The intensive 12-week program started with foundational engineering training and progressed to .NET development. Topics included SQL, Object-Oriented Design in .NET, Data Access, WCF, Cloud Computing, ITIL, Docker, and CI/CD Methodology.

To bolster our Australia Skills Lab capabilities, we tapped into our global network. A specialist coach from our Leeds Skills Lab was brought to Sydney to deliver .NET framework training in-person, which facilitated team bonding prior to their post-training relocation to Melbourne.

FDM delivered top local junior talent to the client within four months, ensuring the desired gender balance through comprehensive recruitment, assessment, upskilling, and readiness for the job.

Seamless integration

Consultants seamlessly integrated into the client’s Development and Environments teams, contributing to customer-facing applications like websites and phone apps. They successfully executed various DevOps projects utilising automation and integration skills, including the support of migrating a legacy CRM system to the cloud. Other achievements encompassed creating an internal tool for rapid user information retrieval, managing APIs, and enhancing in-house applications with C#.

Ongoing development heightens value

FDM supported consultants’ on-site learning and development with professional skills and networking workshops and helped them gain industry-recognised certifications like Microsoft’s Azure cloud fundamentals and developer qualifications. Company culture was reinforced through regular training sessions and team events.

ROI sustained through high retention

Our commitment to mentoring and support is reflected in the 87% retention rate from the initial cohort. This success led the client to onboard three more FDM Consultants for their Testing Services team, fueling their talent pipeline. During Covid-19, FDM launched a second remote training program for the client, resulting in the onboarding of seven additional consultants.

“We have achieved our objective with FDM as we have found the graduates to be of a very high calibre in terms of technical ability, willingness to learn and overall passion and attitude.

As a people leader, I was pleased to have six eager people in reserve, ready to join and contribute to our project teams and their success.”

DevOps Engineering Manager