Building the future of the internet through investment in people

The London Internet Exchange

Summary:

  • Partner: The London Internet Exchange Ltd (LINX)
  • Sector: Information Technology
  • Challenges: Needing to develop and retain technical staff within the company and build management skills in those who are promoted into leadership roles.
  • Solution: Various undergraduate and postgraduate courses delivered through The Open University (OU).
  • Outcome: Improved employee retention, clearer employee progression pathways.

Click the subtitles icon to view subtitles, or download a Word doc transcript here.


Background: Building internet infrastructure through people

For more than 30 years, the London Internet Exchange (LINX) has provided the infrastructure that enables networks around the world to exchange data efficiently. With more than 900 members across 80 countries, the organisation plays a vital role in supporting the global internet. Alongside technical excellence, LINX has built a culture focused on developing people and helping employees grow their careers.

We like to ensure that each member of staff has a development pathway and a learning journey whilst they work for LINX.

Jennifer Holmes,
CEO, LINX

Creating a culture of continuous learning

At LINX, learning and development are part of everyday working life. Employees are encouraged to discuss career aspirations, explore new skills and pursue qualifications that support their development.

By investing in its people through the sponsorship of degree courses, the organisation is building internal talent, supporting succession planning and creating opportunities for employees to progress into more senior technical and leadership roles.

We're very open to people looking at different roles and looking at different areas in which they can develop, and us supporting them in that.

Neana Singh,
HR Manager, LINX

Back to top


Why The Open University works for LINX

The flexibility of The Open University's learning model enables employees to study alongside work and personal commitments.

Whether managing teams or working shift patterns, employees can gain recognised qualifications without putting their careers on hold. At the same time, they can apply what they learn immediately in the workplace.

People are busy with work. People are busy with life. So having that good balance that people can manage around their work and their life is a really good way of learning.

Neana Singh,
HR Manager, LINX

Back to top


Learner success stories

Siôn Hopes, Network Operations Centre Manager

Role

  • Leads LINX's Network Operations Centre team

Journey

  • Moved from engineering into management
  • Studying BA (Hons) Business Management
  • Developed knowledge of finance, marketing and leadership

Impact

  • Increased leadership confidence
  • Improved understanding of business operations
  • Encourages others to embark on learning

Investment in people is so fundamental to a business's success.

Siôn Hopes,
Network Operations Centre Manager, LINX

Click the subtitles icon to view subtitles, or download a Word doc transcript here.


Dimitri Loizou, Senior Network Operations Centre Engineer

Role

  • Supports and maintains critical services

Journey

  • Joined LINX without a university degree
  • Progressed through the organisation over ten years
  • Studying BSc (Hons) Computing & IT
  • Balances study around a rotating shift pattern

Impact

  • Stronger networking and computing skills
  • Improved knowledge of coding and subnetting
  • Supporting future career progression

Because Linx are helping to sponsor me, it proves that they want me to keep learning. They want me to progress. It makes me want to stay at Linx.

Dimitri Loizou,
Senior NOC Engineer, LINX

Click the subtitles icon to view subtitles, or download a Word doc transcript here.


Conclusion: Investing in people, strengthening performance

Through its partnership with The Open University, LINX is empowering employees to build new skills, gain recognised qualifications and achieve their career ambitions. The result is a more engaged workforce, improved retention and a stronger pipeline of technical and managerial talent for the future.


Let's solve your skills challenge together

The Open University has a dedicated team of employer and partnership managers who can work with you to upskill and reskill your teams via a range of courses and programmes.

Whether you are a new business or an established employer, our team has a wealth of sector expertise and experience and can link you with our wider academic community to help to solve your organisation's challenges.

Get in touch

Back to top


Back to top