Meet our CEO, Jen Longden
We recently took the time to find out more about our CEO, Jen Longden. From her experience before working at Pagabo Group to where she sees Tequ in two years time, we learnt all about Jen and the vital role she plays.
Tell us about yourself, your background and the beginning of Tequ?
I have worked in training and further education (FE) for more than 20 years and before joining Pagabo Group in 2021, I was head of school for the apprentice division at a large FE college.
Having been in the industry for some time it was actually the pandemic that truly opened my eyes to some gaping holes in the skills sector that urgently needed addressing. Following that, I met with one of the founders of the Pagabo Group and we discussed the key issues surrounding training in the industry - and just like that, Tequ was born.
What do you wish people knew about you/Tequ?
It's important to understand that Tequ is actually part of a large established software company with years of experience in taking SAAS products to market. This means that I am able to draw on the experience of knowledgeable individuals every day and that I'm working with an intelligent group of people to make Tequ the best product it can possibly be.
Is it important for you to be a Yorkshire based CEO?
Here at Pagabo Group we are proud of our Yorkshire heritage and are in good company thanks to all the other amazing businesses in the region.
From a personal standpoint, I have always studied and worked within Yorkshire so to now to be CEO and work for one of the area's leading businesses is great but I'm keen to not rest on my laurels and look forward to taking Tequ to the next level.
There are so many amazing businesses in Yorkshire and so many fantastic leadership teams that are proud to work and operate in the north. The Pagabo Group are particularly proud of being a northern business with an impressive portfolio of clients all over the country and even further afield!
Where do you see Tequ progressing within the next 2 years?
I truly believe Tequ can play a huge part in addressing the construction industry's skills shortage. The industry itself currently provides jobs for one in 10 people so in order for this number to remain as it were, or even better, grow, we need to address upskilling head on.
In the next two years our aim is to support businesses in tackling the skills gap and help to upskill workforces. I see huge benefit in working collaboratively with the industry and demonstrating an agility that will allow both ourselves and the businesses we work with to grow.
How do you feel the industry you're in could improve?
The skills industry has suffered immensely over the last 20 years in regards to government funding, the speed of creating qualifications in line with industry standards and the general ability to meet the needs of the sector. However, since 2020 there has undoubtedly been a bigger commitment from the government to support with SAAS products like Tequ and we are delighted to be at the forefront of marrying education with construction and merging the classroom with the workplace.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us, Jen!
Interested in learning more about our training management software? Find out everything you need to know by booking a demo.
