23RD OCT 2026
DigiTEC Takes Its Next Step Forward
This week marked an important milestone for DigiTEC as we hosted the inaugural DigiTEC Steering Board at Gloucestershire College. Bringing together leaders from education, industry, government and the wider digital ecosystem, the session established the direction for the next phase of our Digital & Technologies Technical Excellence College (TEC) programme.
What is DigiTEC?
As part of the UK Government’s investment in developing the specialist technical skills needed to support priority growth sectors across the economy, we were awarded TEC status. The DigiTEC programme focuses on creating stronger links between education and industry, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, experience and opportunities needed to succeed in careers spanning cyber security, artificial intelligence, software development, cloud computing and digital infrastructure.
It’s much more than a single college initiative. It is designed to strengthen the regional and national digital skills ecosystem by working collaboratively with employers, universities, government bodies and delivery partners. Its purpose is to ensure learners develop the skills the industry need today while helping shape the workforce needed for tomorrow.
Why DigiTEC Matters
The UK faces significant demand for digital and technology skills, while Gloucestershire continues as one of the country’s most important cyber and digital clusters. During the meeting, the importance of the county’s existing digital ecosystem and the opportunities presented by initiatives such as Golden Valley were highlighted. DigiTEC has a key role to play in connecting learners, educators and employers to ensure the region can develop and retain the talent required for future economic growth.
The Steering Board exists to provide strategic oversight and assurance, ensuring the programme remains aligned with its objectives, Department for Education requirements, employer needs and learner outcomes.
An Outstanding Partnership
The inaugural Board brought together representatives from across industry, government and education, reflecting the shared effort approach that sits at the heart of DigiTEC. Participants included:
· National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
· QinetiQ
· DXC Technology
· Camargue
· DeepMinds
· Origin8tive
· Time for Strategy
· Department for Business and Trade
· Capgemini
· Plexal / Hub8
· CyNam
· University of the West of England (UWE)
· University of Gloucestershire
Alongside our own governors and executive team.
These organisations collectively represent major employers, universities, government agencies, economic development bodies and technology specialists, providing DigiTEC with a breadth of expertise and insight to help shape the programme’s direction.
A Shared Commitment
One of the key outcomes from the meeting was the creation of a shared understanding of DigiTEC’s purpose and impact.
Most importantly, the meeting demonstrated the strength of partnership that already exists across Gloucestershire’s digital ecosystem. The willingness of so many respected organisations and leaders to contribute their expertise reflects a collective commitment to developing the next generation of digital talent.
As DigiTEC moves forward, education, employers and government will contuniue working side by side. That’s how we’ll give learners outstanding opportunities and help drive Gloucestershire to become a nationally recognised centre of excellence for digital and technology skills.
We are grateful to every member of the Steering Board for their time, expertise and commitment. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to working together to deliver lasting impact for learners and the wider digital economy.
