News

FDM Launches the Robotic Process Automation Programme

Paul Brown
12.03.2019 Published: 12.03.19, Modified: 12.03.2019 09:03:32

Due to advances in technology companies worldwide are constantly updating and training their staff to be at the highest and most knowledgeable level when it comes to dealing with new evolving systems.

At FDM, we realise that to keep up with the latest trends and releases, we need to be up to date with technological advancements and develop our in-house training capabilities across our global academies. Over the last few years we have been deploying trainees into Robotic Process Automation (RPA) roles around the globe. With the constant need for more RPA consultants, we have decided to take the next step by establishing a dedicated stream to meet the increasing demand.

This month, we will be establishing our first Robotic Process Automation programme in Leeds on Monday 18th March. The programme will then be introduced into our Glasgow and Birmingham academies later in the year. David Stewart is based in Glasgow and is the Product Owner for RPA Services at FDM.

What is RPA?

RPA is the automation of tasks using computer software or robots to capture and interpret existing applications for processing a transaction, manipulating data, triggering responses and communicating with other digital systems.

How would RPA benefit my career path?

The RPA industry is growing at a phenomenal rate and the benefits that can be achieved by RPA are very appealing to many of our clients. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are future areas of interest once RPA progresses in the next few years. A mix of technical and business analysis skills are useful if you want to go down the RPA route. Understanding RPA will provide you with a wealth of career prospects around the globe as more organisations are adopting automation.

What has influenced FDM to include RPA in their syllabus?

There is increasing demand from our clients, and we have around 70 consultants working on RPA around the globe. Our aim is to coach new trainees in FDM’s academies to learn a trade which is growing across all sectors in IT and will also lead to machine learning and artificial intelligence in the future.

Who would be the ideal candidate to join the RPA programme?

We are looking for people who are bright, intelligent and proactive. Trainees will learn some of the more technical aspects of RPA as well as develop an understanding of business processes within our client base. Once on-site, consultants will be involved in the development, testing and execution of RPA scripts, automating repetitive and monotonous tasks as well as freeing up staff to work on other tasks.

Prakash Waghela joined FDM’s Software Development stream in London and was placed as an RPA Developer at Capgemini.

As an RPA Developer, I’m responsible for developing automation scripts based on a business’ needs. This involves being able to work with a wide variety of tools ranging from programming in C# to implementing source control via command line interface tools and developing automation scripts using various software packages. In my most recent project, I’ve been responsible for leading the development for automation designed to interact with a Citrix (virtualised) application, which introduces complications in the environment that the automation needs to run in. I like the challenge that my role provides as well as the freedom I’m afforded to work out solutions for problems that we encounter. I think the best thing about my role is it constantly provides learning opportunities so I’m always improving.

Read more articles about the tech industry from our blog:

Featured image credit: Photo by Arnold Francisca on Unsplash