I've just seen this thread, I realise its old so let me explain how FDM works for anyone who is thinking of joining this company in the future. FDM recruiters basically target as many students as possible and offer them IT or Business related roles. once you have got through the interview process and assessment day (which is very easy) you will then start training with them.
the training lasts between 12 and 16 weeks depending on what role you are applying for, however be aware that this does not necessarily mean that you will get a role in that field. a lot of the students that apply end up going into a different field due to there never being a job in the area that you applied or you are coming to the end of your 90 days after training. for the duration of your training you are allowed to claim living costs this is basically travelling expenses and food up to £100 a week for which you will need receipts.
After training you will then go on interviews with potential employers and once successful will be placed on site with them regardless of location in the country. It does not matter your reasons for working in a certain location if your not flexible about location FDM will try to levy a very hefty £20000 bill on you as this is what they value their training at.
FDM then charge the client a daily rate for you services around £300 and this is what your salary is paid from. this is just a very basic insight into how to the FDM business model. Now I will just take you through a few of the drawbacks that the recruiters will not take you through.
1, FDM is a sales driven company and the client comes first not the consultant.
2, Be aware of recruiters and account managers remember this is a numbers game and you are their bonuses.
3, FDM is very concious of its image so review forums like glassdoor is constantly updated by themselves to improve their ratings also i have followed them for the last 2 years and seen at least 20 one star reviews removed.
4, The value they place on their training is ridiculous £20000 for a few basic IT related qualifications is stupid, think about degrees you can do for this amount of money.
5, You could end up going upto 6 months without pay and eventually released from your debt with them but in further debt through living costs.
6, You are not guaranteed a job at the end of training.
7, You may be required to relocate on multiple occasions all at your own expense.
8, FDM do not invest in their consultants as very few stay with them I would guess at around 5 percent. this should be a good indicator into what the company is like. its no good saying you could end up with a really good company you should be that really good company.
I have just finished my 2 years with FDM and was not taken on by the client and decided not to stay with FDM I have since found another job in IT and am doing quite well. I would not recommend FDM to anyone though.