The challenge:
A leading not-for-profit organisation aimed to enhance its self-sufficiency as part of its digital, data and technology (DDaT) strategy. A key part of this plan was to reduce its dependence on expensive external partners by building a strong internal team. The immediate goal was to recruit a dynamics 365 field service technician with advanced development skills, including expertise in JavaScript, C#, and Power Platform frameworks.
Despite a lengthy direct sourcing campaign, the organisation found it impossible to attract the right talent. The applicant pool was dominated by functional consultants who lacked the specific development experience required. This, combined with salary expectations in excess of the organisation’s agreed pay structure for such a niche skill set, resulted in no successful hire and a critical roadblock in their strategic plan.
The solution:
The organisation turned to Reed for specialist tech recruitment support. Within weeks, we had sourced and submitted ten qualified candidates, with seven progressing to the interview stage. While one candidate was a strong contender, they did not quite meet the stringent technical requirements. At the same time, a promising internal applicant was also being considered.
Instead of restarting a challenging recruitment search, we proposed our innovative ‘Train the gap’ solution. Delivered in partnership with our sister company and accredited Microsoft training partner, Code Nation, this approach focuses on bridging specific skills shortages through targeted training. Following a detailed consultation between Code Nation's curriculum experts and the organisation's head of IT, the ‘MB-240 Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant’ certification was identified as the perfect course to upskill the candidates.
“A comprehensive assessment of the client’s requirements was undertaken collaboratively by our Microsoft technical lead and the client’s head of IT, focusing on both current capabilities and future skills needs within the IT team.
“The client was clear that any training should lead to an industry recognised certification while also equipping their team with the technical expertise to independently customise and develop their CRM system. The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant qualification met those requirements exceptionally well, offering the right level of technical depth alongside a respected professional accreditation.” Roz Atherton, Engagement and Marketing Director, Code Nation
The organisation extended offers to the external candidate, conditional on them completing the training. It was an opportunity for career development that they eagerly accepted. This offer was also made available to the internal applicant and six other members of the existing team, transforming a one-off hiring solution into a scalable strategy for building future capability.
The results:
A Microsoft-certified trainer led a five-day intensive course, complete with official course materials, hands-on labs, and exam vouchers. The outcome was a resounding success for the not-for-profit organisation.
“Our ‘Train the gap’ solution not only filled the critical vacancy but also upskilled existing staff, aligning the team's capabilities with the organisation's long-term strategic objectives. The training was exceptionally well received by our client, and we earnt a delegate satisfaction score of 4.66 out of 5, which surpasses Microsoft's own benchmark of 4.25.” Adrian Frapple, Account Manager, Reed
By investing in targeted training, the organisation transformed a difficult recruitment challenge into a major success. It reduced its time-to-hire, built valuable in-house expertise, and moved significantly closer to achieving its goal of DDaT self-sufficiency. This forward-thinking approach delivered immediate cost savings and empowered the workforce, accelerating the organisation's digital transformation journey.
“The external applicant who initially joined on a six-month fixed-term contract has now been offered a permanent role - thanks to the impact of our training. This fantastic outcome proves that upskilling not only benefits individuals but also delivers long-term value for organisations,” added Adrian.
If you are looking for your next hire in technology or want to upskill your existing employees in tech, contact one of our specialist technology recruitment consultants today.