FDM Group wins ‘Employer of the Year’ at The Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2021

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in second careers. Their mission is to showcase, highlight and promote the huge value that ex-servicemen and women bring to employers in all sectors and the wider economy, often enabled by the skills and values they gained during their time in the military.

On December 2, 2021, 1,000 business leaders assembled for a spectacular night in The O2’s Arora Ballroom for their fourth annual award ceremony.

We were thrilled when the FDM Ex-Forces Programme’s outstanding achievements were recognised, winning this prestigious award ahead of a list of finalists that included some very stiff competition from across industry.

FDM launched its Ex-Forces Careers Programme in 2014 as a next step for people who have served in the armed forces, helping them transition into a successful civilian career in Tech or Business.

Since then, over 675 veterans and service leavers have started new careers in the UK’s commercial sector.

The hard work and commitment of the FDM team was acknowledged with the ‘Employer of the Year’ award – well done, everyone!

An Ex-Forces Careers Programme like no other

FDM’s renowned Ex-Forces Careers Programme offers opportunities for ex-military personnel from all ranks and services. We have a pathway designed for junior and advanced experienced personnel, ranging from Business Intelligence and DevOps to Project and Programme Management.

Although based in the UK, our programme is open to all service personnel, regardless of nationality. We have consultants working with us now from German, Greek, Italian, Turkish, US, Finnish, and even New Zealand military backgrounds.

Our programme supports the veteran community with Royal British Legion, White Ensign Association, Walking with the Wounded, Invictus Games Foundation, RNRMC and PTSD Resolution amongst those that we partner with.

For Veterans, by Veterans

The difference is that all of FDM’s dedicated Ex-Forces Team are former serving personnel. This first-hand knowledge, of the qualities developed in service, which are hugely adaptable to commercial environments, enables us to communicate the benefits of these skills to current and future clients.

No one has a better understanding of how much ex-military personnel have to offer the business world or how to smoothly transition that potential into exciting, rewarding careers.

How to Capitalise on Your Military Power

FDM’s clients are looking for talented individuals with the qualities you have developed within the military, from “soft” skills such as leadership, excellent teamwork, risk and change management, including technical skills you may also have acquired.

If you are in the forces, or have left already and considering your next move, you can find out more about the opportunities for a career in tech at one of our FDM Insight Events.

We Haven’t Forgotten our Reservists

FDM currently supports 48 reservists in the programme, which includes an additional 2 weeks of paid leave to attend training. Dom Rees and Chris Corby are two examples of how you can combine roles in the Reserves with a career at FDM. Read their stories here.

A Project Manager within a national media company, Chris shared: “They understand the value that Reservists can bring to the corporate environment, in terms of their resilience, commitment and ability work under pressure.”

Want more inspiring stories from FDM Consultant Reservists? Read a few here.

Make a Difference in the World outside the Military

Our programme builds on your existing skills allowing you to work on projects that will have a real, and positive impact, such as critical national infrastructure services projects for Government agencies or major transformation change programmes in financial services.

Our goal is to help ensure your true value is recognised by the corporate world whilst making your career transition as smooth as possible. This includes expert commercial training, gaining industry-recognised certifications, ongoing support and hands-on experience with industry-leading clients. Everything to prepare you for your chosen civilian career.

If you are considering the next step in your journey, find out more about the FDM Ex-Forces Careers Programme.