Netcom launches Innovation Employer Board to shape the future of the UK’s digital workforce 

On 11th February, Netcom Training officially launched its Innovation Employer Board, a strategic forum bringing together some of the UK’s most influential technology and digital employers to help shape the future of digital skills, training and employability. 

The Board represents a new approach to collaboration across industry, education and policy. Its purpose is clear: to ensure digital skills development is shaped by live labour market insight and delivers meaningful career pathways for learners. 

A collaborative approach to skills development 

The Innovation Employer Board connects senior leaders from across the digital economy, creating a forum where employers can directly influence curriculum design, skills priorities and regional decision-making. 

From the outset, the Board has been designed to: 

• Forecast future technology and skills trends 

• Analyse and validate labour market intelligence (LMI) 

• Influence curriculum design and employability outcomes 

• Strengthen collaboration between employers, training providers and government 

• Support SMEs with access to digital talent 

By creating this structured platform for dialogue, Netcom Training aims to ensure its curriculum remains employer-led, future-focused and responsive to change across the digital economy. 

Leadership and vision 

The Board is chaired by Tony Shergill, CEO of the BritAsia TV Network, who set the tone at the inaugural meeting: 

“Right now, great work is happening across the system, but too often it’s disjointed and siloed. This Board gives us the opportunity to bring employers, training providers and government together in a more joined-up way. By aligning our efforts, we can unlock practical solutions, better support SMEs and develop the talent our region and the wider UK economy urgently needs.” 

His comments reflect the wider ambition of the Board: to move beyond isolated initiatives and build a connected ecosystem where employers actively shape the future talent pipeline. 

Founding employer members 

The launch brought together representatives from a diverse group of organisations spanning technology, infrastructure, cybersecurity and media, including WM5G, EvoPhase, Curium Solutions, OneAdvanced, QSafe, Cisco, PwC, Intel, Six Degrees, Version 1 and ARUP. 

Together, these employers provide insight into current and emerging skills needs across the UK digital economy. 

Aligning training with employer demand 

The Innovation Employer Board will play a central role in guiding Netcom Training’s curriculum development, labour market intelligence, and strategic engagement with local government and policymakers. 

By integrating employer feedback into training design and skills planning, the Board supports: 

• More relevant, job-ready training 

• Clearer pathways into digital careers 

• Better-informed regional policy decisions 

• Greater support for SMEs seeking digital talent 

Kevin Vashi, Managing Director of Netcom Training, said: 

“We’re proud to launch the Innovation Employer Board and bring employers directly into the heart of digital skills development. This is about building training pathways that reflect real workforce demand, strengthen collaboration, and deliver meaningful outcomes for learners, employers and the wider economy.” 

A long-term commitment to regional growth 

The launch of the Innovation Employer Board marks an important step in Netcom Training’s ongoing commitment to driving regional skills growth and strengthening the UK’s digital economy. 

By fostering collaboration between employers, training providers, and government, the Board will help create stronger talent pipelines, clearer skills pathways, and long-term impact for the region. 

Further updates, insights, and outcomes from the Board will be shared in the coming months as the initiative continues to develop.