What to expect when you join FDM’s Skills Lab   

If you’re thinking about starting a career in the world of tech, joining the FDM’s Skills Lab is the perfect way to get your foot in the door. Supportive coaches lead an immersive learning environment that is focused on turning potential into client-ready skills. As FDM Coach Melik Cinar says, “It’s not ‘watch and repeat’—it’s build, deliver, refine.”  

At FDM, we understand that transition into tech can be hard. That’s why our Skills Lab isn’t just about acquiring technical knowledge; it’s about building confidence, developing capabilities, and preparing you for real-world client environments.  

Whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, or transitioning from the armed forces to a new role, here’s what you can expect when you join FDM’s Skills Lab.  

Personalised learning paths in tech   

Your learning journey is personalised from the start. We identify your strengths and areas for growth, then tailor your path accordingly. You’ll work through a range of projects aligned to the specific competencies that clients assess for early career roles, whether you’re heading into a Software Engineering career, an IT Operations career, a Data & Analytics career, a Change & Transformation career, or a Risk, Regulation & Compliance career.  

The FDM Skills Lab operates in sprint-based models, blending theory with real-world project experience. We’ve realised that traditional learning methods often lack the practical applications crucial for developing the skills our clients need. This means understanding the why before internalising it through the how. With that in mind, it allows you to dive into hands-on scenarios that mirror real-world challenges in our experiential learning model.   

For Ziyi Huang, now an Automation Business Analyst at a global advisory organisation, she discovered that the traditional lecture format wasn’t working for her. “I found that passive learning through handouts and PowerPoint presentations didn’t suit me, so I raised this with my coach. Together, we worked on making the learning experience more interactive, which made a huge difference. If you ever struggle with the way material is delivered, speak to your coach. Don’t be afraid to speak up; your coach wants you to succeed just as much as you do!”  

The flexibility includes accessing and engaging with materials. Samuel Tombs, from the Ex-Forces Programme, found the structured resources helpful: “The Skills Lab is a fantastic resource. All material is accessible and well-organised, making it easy to work through case studies, prepare for interviews, and reinforce key concepts. Having everything in one place keeps me organised and lets me revisit topics when needed.”  

For those transitioning from other sectors, the Skills Lab provides essential context alongside technical skills. Safah Layla, now a Change Support Manager, had project management experience from experience in the charity sector, but needed to understand how the corporate world operated. “FDM really broadened my skills and gave me insight into how private sector businesses operate. It helped me understand the corporate landscape better and expand my skill set in ways I hadn’t been able to before.”  

Coaching and mentorship support   

The coaching support you receive throughout your journey will be with experienced coaches, ensuring you’re never stuck or struggling alone.  

Your coach will:  

• Review your work and thought process  

• Help you set goals and remove blockers  

• Provide constructive feedback throughout each sprint  

• Rehearse professional communications like stand-ups and stakeholder updates  

• Support you in preparing for client interviews  

FDM Coach, Linzi Holmes, shares, “As a coach, my role isn’t to stand at the front and teach. What makes our approach different is that everything is hands-on, and I’m here to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and given the tools to succeed.”  

That support made all the difference for Layla, crediting her coach Linzi. “Honestly, I loved Skills Lab! I had the pleasure of being coached by Linzi Holmes. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. It was intense, and there was a lot of material to cover in just six weeks, but my skills developed so much. Having someone who was always available to answer any questions, even the ones I felt silly asking, was invaluable. Skills Lab prepared me immensely for my first client assignment.”  

The collaborative learning environment extends beyond coach-to-consultant relationships. Samuel noticed this from his very first week, “Even though I have only been with FDM for a short amount of time, I have already taken away several key learnings. The biggest has been the value of collaboration, as working alongside other consultants allows for shared learning and different perspectives.”   

Developing professional skills for tech careers   

Throughout the Skills Lab, you’ll develop essential professional skills including clear communication and stakeholder management, time management and prioritisation, structured problem-solving, documentation and presentation skills, and interview techniques and confidence building.  

These professional skills prove just as valuable as technical knowledge once you’re on client sites. Samuel has already seen the impact on his interview readiness, “One achievement I am particularly proud of since joining FDM is the confidence I have built in my interviewing technique. Through structured training, mock interviews, and regular feedback, I have developed a clearer understanding of how to communicate my skills and experience effectively.”  

Ziyi reflects, “One of the highlights of my time at FDM was the people I trained with. Everyone was incredibly supportive and pleasant to work alongside. One of the most important lessons I learned was not to be afraid to ask for help and to build genuine relationships with your peers.” Those connections have proven valuable in unexpected ways. She was recently asked by her manager if she could recommend anyone from FDM for new opportunities. “It’s not just for networking,” she explains, “but also for creating a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. I still keep in touch with several people I trained with.”   

A safe space to grow   

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Skills Lab is the environment it creates. This is your space to test ideas, make mistakes, and learn rapidly with a coach beside you.  

As Gangotri Bhatt, Director of Skills Lab, UK & EMEA shares, “In the Skills Lab, we don’t just teach skills—we build futures. We are here to support you, coach you, and empower you to develop the right capabilities to become a confident, industry-ready consultant.”  

Linzi adds, “The real benefit of the Skills Lab goes far beyond helping someone secure a client placement. The true impact is watching people realise what they’re capable of. Some of my most rewarding moments come from working with people who start out doubting themselves and seeing them grow in confidence and recognise the value they bring.”  

AI integration in tech training   

We all know AI is transforming how we learn and work, and the Skills Lab reflects that reality. You’ll have access to curated knowledge bases that help you find standards, patterns, and examples faster. AI tools can simulate interviews and stakeholder questions, allowing you to rehearse and refine your approach with instant feedback.  

But as our coaches emphasise, AI is a tool to enhance your learning, not replace your thinking. You’ll learn to use it responsibly, keeping confidential data secure, verifying outputs, and focusing on building your own understanding and judgment.  

Linzi explains, “AI enables our ability to personalise support, identify patterns in performance, and offer in-depth insights, making us more effective, not less human. Our consultants work across a wide range of projects, and AI is being used across industries, so exposing consultants to it now helps them build confidence to meet these challenges head-on.”  

From uncertainty to confidence   

Our consultants all started in different stages, but all found their footing. The journey from uncertainty to confidence is best illustrated by their experiences. 

Ziyi started her Business Analyst role, questioning whether she’d made the right choice. “I started out feeling unsure and questioning whether being a Business Analyst was right for me,” she admits. Fast forward to today, and she regularly receives positive feedback from both her peers and her manager on the quality of her work. “Now I’m proud of how far I have come. Since becoming an FDM Consultant, one achievement I am particularly proud of is how far I have come in my current role—it has been incredibly rewarding.”  

Layla shares, “I didn’t think I was the right person for the role—everyone else seemed so confident. I had to fake confidence at first and spend the first couple of months being a sponge. It worked! Before long, I was comfortable and confident in the role and seeing the difference I was making gave me a real sense of pride.”  

Her placement turned out to be an incredible opportunity. Whilst working in the Legal Operations department, she helped implement a Legal Contract Management system across all their legal teams globally, even participating in a system launch in Taiwan.    

Tips for making the most of your Skills Lab experience   

Our consultants share some practical advice for those joining the Skills Lab:  

Engage fully and ask questions 

Samuel’s advice is, “Actively participate and ask questions. Make the most of every lesson by engaging fully. This is the time to learn.”  

Put in the  effort 

Ziyi emphasises, “It’s important to put in the effort to benefit from how fulfilling the experience can be. Many of the skills I developed during the Skills Lab have proven extremely useful in my current role.”  

Build meaningful relationships 

Layla learned this early on, “Form relationships with people in your cohort and others you meet at FDM. Everyone comes from such varied backgrounds, so there’s always something new to learn. Skills Lab helped me create a career map, plan certifications, choose placements, and identify skills I wanted to pick up—things that would have taken me much longer to figure out on my own. I’m beyond happy I chose FDM and can wholeheartedly say I’ve made the most of the experience so far.”   

Your journey starts here 

The Skills Lab offers more than training; it’s the foundation for a meaningful career in tech. You’ll leave with a curated portfolio of real projects, the technical and professional skills to succeed on client sites, and the confidence to apply what you’ve learned from day one.  

Gangotri shares, “Your learning journey begins with us, but the impact you make will reach far beyond the time you spend here.”  

Ready to take the next step? Join our Skills Lab today.  

Skills Lab FAQs 

How is the Skills Lab delivered? Online, in-person, or hybrid? What is the weekly time commitment? 

The Skills Lab is delivered in a hybrid format, giving our consultants the flexibility to learn in a way that works best for them while still benefiting from structured support. Most learning takes place online through guided coaching, self-paced content, and project work, but we also run in-person sessions in our centres when collaboration, practice activities, or assessments benefit from being face-to-face. This approach ensures consistency in delivery across regions while still maintaining a strong sense of community. 

In terms of weekly commitment, consultants typically spend approximately 25–30 hours per week engaged in Skills Lab activities. This includes a combination of: 

• Live coaching and workshops 

• Self-directed learning 

• Project work and assessments 

• Practice tasks and preparation for specialisation pathways 

Our goal is always to make the experience structured, supportive, and industry-aligned while providing the flexibility needed for consultants to progress confidently at their own pace. 

Do you need prior tech experience or specific qualifications to join the Skills Lab? 

No. Consultants do not need previous technical experience or specific qualifications to join the Skills Lab. We welcome individuals from a diverse range of educational and professional backgrounds. What matters most is a willingness to learn, the commitment to develop new skills, and the motivation to build a successful career in the tech industry. 

Our programmes are designed to support complete beginners as well as those with some existing knowledge. We start with the fundamentals and gradually progress to more advanced, role-specific competencies. Through structured coaching, hands-on projects, and continuous support, every consultant regardless of their starting point can build confidence and succeed in their chosen pathway. 

For technical roles, consultants complete a HackerRank assessment during recruitment. This helps the Skills Lab understand their current knowledge level and allows us to tailor the guidance and support they receive as they progress. 

What types of roles or placements are typically secured after completing the Skills Lab? 

After completing the Skills Lab, our consultants typically secure roles across a wide range of technical and business practices. Because our coaching is designed to mirror real project environments, consultants step into placements with the confidence and capability to add value from day one. 

The types of roles we see most frequently include: 

• Change & Transformation – Business Analyst, PMO Analyst, Junior Project Manager, Change Analyst, Scrum Masters, Technical business analyst 

• Software Engineering – Software Developer, Automation Engineer, DevOps Support, Test Engineer, Quality Engineers 

• Data & Analytics – Data Analyst, BI Analyst, Data Engineer 

• IT Operations – Service Desk Analyst, Infrastructure Support, Application support, Security operations centre analyst 

• Risk Regulation & Compliance – AML analyst, KYC analyst 

• Bespoke delivery – Product Analyst, Configuration Analyst, Systems Analyst, depending on client demand 

Our goal in the Skills Lab is always to help consultants build the foundation to succeed and grow in their long-term careers. 

How is progress measured or assessed during the Skills Lab? 

Progress in the Skills Lab is measured through a combination of structured assessments, ongoing observation, and personalised coaching touchpoints. Our approach ensures that every consultant develops the technical capability, professional behaviours, and confidence needed for client success. 

Here is how we assess progress: 

• Continuous skills observation: Coaches monitor day-to-day engagement, quality of work, collaboration, and application of concepts during sprint activities, labs and case studies. This provides real-time insight into strengths and development areas. 

• Sprint-based evaluation: Each sprint includes practical tasks, challenges, or mini-projects. Consultants are assessed on accuracy, problem-solving, communication, and ability to apply learning to real-world scenarios. 

• Structured feedback: Consultants receive regular, constructive feedback from their coaches. This includes verbal feedback during workshops and written feedback after key activities or assessments. 

• AI-supported learning insights: For AI-focused sprints and tools, we review how effectively consultants apply prompt-engineering principles, critical thinking, and responsible AI practices in their outputs. 

• Behavioural assessment: Beyond technical competence, we track behaviours such as time management, teamwork, adaptability, stakeholder communication, and attitude, key readiness indicators for client roles.