Career opportunities for Ex-Forces personnel
What we do: why choose FDM’s Ex-Forces Careers Programme?
FDM’s renowned Ex-Forces Careers Programme bridges the gap between your military service and a corporate career. Designed for ex-military personnel from all ranks and services, we’ll make your transition as smooth as possible with expert training, ongoing support and hands-on experience with industry-leading clients.
Find out more about the transition to a civilian life with FDM.
What you’ll do on the Veterans Careers Programme
We know first-hand how much ex-military personnel have to offer the business world. Our programme builds on your existing skills so you can make a difference to the world outside of the military. Once trained you will work on exciting projects that will have a real, positive impact, such as critical national infrastructure services projects for Government agencies or major transformation change programmes in financial services.
Support and Development for Veterans
The FDM Ex-Forces Careers Programme is run by ex-service personnel who understand your background and are committed to supporting your journey. We go above and beyond to support veterans across the board: our Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award reflects our ongoing advocacy of defence and our active support to various military charities.
Recognising your skills
We know that your military background will have equipped you with a range of transferable skills and valuable life experiences.
Our clients are looking for talented individuals with the qualities you have developed within the military, from “soft” skills such as leadership, excellent teamwork, and risk and change management, as well as technical skills you may also have acquired.
It is our goal to help you translate your existing skills into a language the corporate world recognises. This includes expert commercial training, gaining industry-recognised certifications to validate your existing skill set and showcase your talents, as well as professional skills that will prepare you for any civilian career path ahead of you.
Want to find out more?
What our consultants say
Hiren Patel
Dev Ops Engineer
Ordnance Survey
“The client was briefed about my Reserve commitment and was accommodating to the demands of being a Reservist and what this entails. I am thankful that FDM has a dedicated Ex-Forces team and have offered me guidance and support throughout.”
Amanda Scott
Service Desk Analyst
Student Loans Company
“FDM has been supportive of my Army Reserves career, allowing me the time to complete my annual training. Having the support of FDM makes it easier to balance both civilian work life and my military work life. I enjoy the community feel that FDM has, it is almost like a family in the same way that you get in the military.”
Alex Rennie
Programme Manager
Shell
“FDM and the client have been amazing in supporting my reserve activity by providing 10 days of leave so that I can conduct my duties.”
Which programme is right for you?
We look for candidates who have served in the military, either as a regular or reservist, from all different ranks and services.
We keep it simple: there’s no need for a CV, just apply or get in touch with our dedicated Ex-Forces Team for more information.
Military Mountie Pathway
This is designed for junior ex-forces personnel. We will provide you with the opportunity to start your career in tech with no need for a university degree. We’ll equip you with professional and industry-specific training and give you the opportunity to put your skills to the test, working on the latest technologies with some of the biggest names in the business.
Requirements:
- Passionate about IT
- Driven to start your professional career
- Excellent communication skills
- Problem solving skills
- Geographic flexibility
Advanced Course
The Advanced Course is tailored for military veteran personnel with demonstrable leadership and management experience. We will provide you with industry-recognised qualifications to certify your existing skills and prepare you for a senior role, such as in project management, risk management and stakeholder management.
Requirements:
- Passionate about IT
- Leadership and Management
- Strong organisational skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Problem solving skills
- Competence in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project
Application process
Apply online
Submit your application
here to launch your
FDM journey.
Join an insight day
This is an opportunity for you to find out more about the Ex-Forces Careers Programme and ask any questions you may have to see if it is the right fit for you.
Find out more about our insight events.
Join an assessment day
Dependant upon which route you opt to take, the assessment will consist of a number of modules. You may be expected to undertake numerical, verbal and IT aptitude tests as well as sit an interview. The Advanced pathway will consist of a 1 hour interview alongside a project based scenario.
Join the FDM Ex-Forces Programme
Support and Development
Our goal is to ensure happy and successful placements, which is why we have several support programmes in place to do just that. From learning and development to engagement and networking to wellbeing programmes, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
CEO
Communications
up-to-date regularly through LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
Check out #RodsRoundUp videos to find out more.
Meet our dedicated Ex-Forces Team
Stewart Sharman MBE
Global Head of Ex-Forces
Ex-British Army Colonel (Retd), Royal Corps of Signals
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Norman Yarwood
Regional Manager, Scotland
Ex-British Army WO1, Royal Corps of Signals
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Jim Gordon
Regional Manager, North
Ex-British Army Captain (LE), Intelligence Corps
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James Griffin
Regional Manager, South
Ex-British Army, Household Cavalry Regiment & Army Air Corps Helicopter Pilot
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James Murray
Head of Recruitment, Ex-Forces Programme
Ex-British Army, Corps of Royal Engineers
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