FDM Group, which has offices in Glasgow as well as London, has announced a global collaboration with Microsoft.

The technology and professional services firm has been selected as Microsoft’s Global Workforce Development Partner.

As part of the programme, the FTSE 250 professional services firm is formally recognised as a premier solutions provider that can connect its customers with consultants that have been trained on official Microsoft content.

Providing FDM Group with high-quality materials, certified instructors, and ‘hands-on’ labs, the programme is designed to link its consultants with the skills they require to become specialists in Microsoft technology.

In addition, FDM Group also supports the Microsoft Learn Careers Connected initiative, a career connector programme which helps place trained individuals in tech-enabled jobs within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Geoff Hirsch, Microsoft Learning Partner Channel Lead, commented: “Traditional hiring methods can overlook promising talent. Staffing shortages increase costs, reduce productivity, and can increase competition between employers.

“FDM Group have played a crucial role in supporting job seekers with the skills required to understand, deploy and manage Microsoft solutions. FDM will continue to help connect businesses to Microsoft officially trained personnel to support their business goals.”

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As part of the alliance with FDM Group, there is also a specific focus on women and underrepresented minorities in technology which resonates with FDM, which reported a median gender pay gap of -4.3% in 2022. On average, the 2021 UK median gender pay gap was -9.7%.

Furthermore, 36% of their workforce were the first in their family to attend university, while 86% were state school educated.

Andy Brown, Chief Commercial Officer for FDM Group commented: “Microsoft is recognised as being in the vanguard of innovation, enabling people and businesses to thrive. By linking data, processes and teams with intelligent business applications, Microsoft has helped drive operational excellence and more engaging customer experiences.

“FDM’s strategic relationship with Microsoft enables us to connect its customers and partners with our skilled graduates, ex-forces professionals, returners to work, and career changers. This provides an invaluable opportunity for our colleagues to kick-start or re-start their careers as Microsoft-certified professionals”