International IT training and recruitment specialist FDM has reported dramatic business growth as it continues to provide UK businesses with skilled IT programmers and testers.

The company has expanded its workforce by nearly a quarter, increased its number of IT trainees by 28 per cent, and secured more than 30 major new clients since the beginning of the year.

As part of its business development, FDM has recruited 38 new members of staff since January, bringing the total number of employees up to 211.

This growth means more graduates are passing though the FDM Academy, which equips individuals pursuing a career in IT with essential programming and testing skills. The number of successful graduates, dubbed 'Mounties', has increased to more than 140 from 120 at the beginning of 2006.

Combining the Mounties with their growing number of freelance consultants FDM now has about 550 IT workers on client projects.

Having an extensive database of trained IT consultants, one of the most flexible workforces in the industry, has helped FDM secure 30 new clients since the start of the year.

These deals include British Airways, Reuters, ABN AMRO, JP Morgan, The AA and Virgin Mobile. FDM is also working with educational bodies to help tackle the national skills shortage.

Most recently, the company has partnered with City College Brighton & Hove to provide short-term IT programming courses as an introduction to the FDM Academy, and a viable alternative to university.

Rod Flavell, CEO of FDM, said: "Over the past year we have seen consistent business growth in a tough market.

"As the UK skills crisis grows more serious, the demand for qualified staff in the IT industry is increasing.

"We are expanding to meet the needs of our clients, as well as providing additional graduate courses for individuals looking to break into IT."

Tuesday, June 13, 2006