The client was modernizing an outdated tech stack to stay competitive, focusing on their Group Retirements and Group Benefits business lines in Montreal and Kitchener.

Aiming to move to a Java/Spring and Angular stack, they faced challenges with slow recruitment, a lack of talent with the necessary skills, and limited internal training capacity. They needed full-stack developers with expertise in Java, .NET, C#, React, Node.js, Angular, and Apache – the niche skills required for API development, cloud deployment, and data transformation.

FDM was engaged to rapidly deliver a bespoke talent solution. Utilizing our proficiency in recruitment, assessment, and training, we worked closely with the client to design and implement a solution that met their transformation needs. With a focus on continuity and efficiency they sought to retain consultants long-term. To source local talent, we leveraged university relationships and hosted pop-up assessment centers in the key cities.

FDM’s unique business model and customized coaching can quickly provide talent with specific expertise. Our proven recruitment and assessment processes allow clients to scale at speed.

After identifying the best 45 candidates, the client conducted interviews to finalize a group of 22 consultants who would receive specialized coaching catered to their tech stack.

FDM’s Skills Lab offered the flexibility to build fully bespoke four-month learning programs that aligned with the client’s modernization goals. In collaboration with the client, our team of expert coaches designed and built a curriculum with all consultants initially gaining core capabilities such as Java. Agile cross-functional pods then went through specialized sprints covering .NET, C#, React, Node.js, Angular, and Apache, with additional focus on system communication and integration with essential tools, protocols, and best practices for cloud deployment, and specialized data conversion.

To ensure project-readiness consultants presented projects to client management at the FDM center to demonstrate their capability.

High calibre talent, delivered on schedule

FDM successfully deployed 22 custom-skilled Software Developer consultants to the client’s two city locations within the agreed timeframe of four months. Around 90% of consultants began contributing code immediately, whilst a small number gained additional data side upskilling on-site.

Versatile contributions to modernization goals

The developers were split into different squads, focused on different aspects of the modernization project. Most were assigned to Java-related projects, with others going into .NET and data transformation. These consultants managed the validation and transformation of customer data to the new tech stack. Some were also placed in front-end squads to update the client website.

Significant cost efficiencies

By managing the recruitment, coaching, and onboarding process, FDM delivered substantial cost savings for the client. FDM also covered the costs for the consultants needing to relocate to each city.

Strategic partnership

FDM built an extended partnership with the client allowing them to leverage FDM’s internal resources to deploy additional consultants as needed. The success of the initial delivery, with an internalization rate of 76%, led to a further deployment of eight Data Engineers into their Canadian division.

Through rapid delivery, bespoke coaching, and ongoing collaboration, FDM addressed not only the client’s immediate challenges but also established a scalable model for future talent needs.