Netcom Training Appoints Karen Rodkin as Operations Director Amid Growing Demand for Digital Skills
By Anushka Malhotra
1 minute 33 seconds
Digital Skills

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Quick Read: Netcom Training boosts its leadership with the appointment of Karen Rodkin as Operations Director, responding to the rising demand for digital skills in the UK job market. Karen, an experienced talent acquisition specialist, will oversee digital program advisory teams and lead Netcom Talent to support learners in their career journey.
Birmingham-based digital skills training provider, Netcom Training, is gearing up for significant expansion with the appointment of Karen Rodkin as Operations Director. The move comes in response to the escalating demand for digital skills across England.
With a distinguished career in talent acquisition, particularly in the tech sector, Karen Rodkin brings valuable expertise to Netcom. Her recent role at Pareto, where she spearheaded a global tech recruitment division, underscores her prowess in navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Photo: Karen Rodkin, Photo Credit: Netcom Training
In her new role, Karen will oversee the Digital Programme Advisor Teams and lead Netcom Talent, a pivotal component in supporting learners through onboarding, learning processes, and preparing them for successful careers. Netcom's strategic move aligns with its commitment to addressing the widening skills gap and positioning the UK as a digital innovation hub.
Karen commented,
"Having started my career in the dot com era, I have seen how much technology has influenced the job market, carving out fantastic career paths for a new generation of digital natives. I am excited to get to work with the team at Netcom as we address the widening skills gap and look to put the UK at the forefront of digital innovation."
Sam Field, Apprentify Group CRO, emphasized Karen's goal-oriented approach and her track record in delivering value. "Karen is a goal-orientated professional with an impressive record in creating strategies that deliver real value, not only to the business but also to everyone who interacts with us. Having worked with her for well over a decade, it is fantastic to work with her again to grow Netcom and achieve our ambitious objectives."
Netcom's recent relocation to Bruntwood's Birmingham Innovation campus serves as a strategic move, providing a hub for staff and learners as the company positions itself for further expansion in 2024. The move signifies Netcom's commitment to nurturing digital talent and meeting the growing needs of the tech sector.
The appointment of Karen Rodkin, coupled with the strategic relocation, underscores Netcom Training's dedication to staying at the forefront of digital skills training and contributing to the digital evolution of the UK job market. The company's proactive approach positions it as a key player in shaping the future of digital education and workforce development.
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School of Coding Secures Investment to Launch UK’s First AI Learning Lab in Birmingham

A fast-growing West Midlands digital training firm has secured a six-figure investment to launch what it claims will be the UK’s first AI Learning Lab, supporting regional upskilling and job creation.
The School of Coding, founded in Wolverhampton, has received backing from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), via fund manager Frontier Development Capital (FDC). The funding will be used to fit out its new central Birmingham tech hub, expected to create 50 new jobs within the next year.
Founded in 2017, the company delivers digital skills education to both young people and professionals, offering courses in cybersecurity, software development, AI, health tech, and digital entrepreneurship. It also runs nationwide coding classes for children and works with schools, councils, and education providers.
The new lab will act as a centre for innovation and learning, equipping individuals and businesses with practical skills to adopt AI technologies responsibly and effectively.
Photo Credit: School of Coding
Manny Athwal, founder and CEO of School of Coding, said:
“AI is here to stay, and we want to help people use it ethically and productively. This new hub in Birmingham will democratise access to digital education and support both personal and business growth in the tech economy. We see this as the first of many tech hubs across the UK.”
The company now operates in 17 countries, with offices in Telford, Dublin, and India, employing nearly 300 people worldwide, including 95 in the UK.
This latest investment builds on a previous round from MEIF in 2023, reinforcing the British Business Bank’s commitment to supporting scale-up businesses in tech and innovation.
David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank, said:
“We’re proud to support a business that's actively addressing the digital skills gap and championing innovation. This second round of funding demonstrates MEIF II’s mission to back high-growth firms driving change.”
Ryan Cartwright, of Frontier Development Capital, added:
“Manny and his team are creating real impact through digital education. We’re excited to support the UK’s first AI Learning Lab – a step that will help more regional businesses benefit from emerging technologies.”
By Anushka Malhotra
23 Apr