David Talbot

Award-winning CEO with a proven track record of leading organisational growth, skills transformation and industry engagement across education, training, manufacturing, energy and defence sectors.

Currently Chief

Executive of a leading employer-led skills and training organisations, delivering apprenticeships, technical education and workforce development solutions. Finalist in the Institute of Directors’, Director of the Year Awards (2025) and winner of the ATA National Training Provider of the Year (2025). Experienced in working with government, employers, awarding bodies, universities, local authorities and national industry networks to create workforce solutions that support economic growth and productivity.

A highly credible public advocate for technical skills, apprenticeships, social mobility and industrial decarbonisation.

Chief Executive Officer at CATCH (HCF CATCH Ltd) (2016 – Present)

Employer-led membership, apprenticeship, technical education and workforce development organisation supporting the engineering, manufacturing, energy and renewables sectors.

• Delivered sustained growth, increasing turnover from £1.3m to £5.9m
• Led strategic transformation of the organisation into a nationally recognised skills and training provider.
• Built strong partnerships with employers, government bodies, universities and regional agencies
• Set up apprenticeship, and adult skills provision to meet industry needs
• Positioned CATCH as a leading voice within the industrial decarbonisation workforce planning and technical skills development space
• Achievement of National Training Provider of the Year 2025
• Oversaw a £7m capital program to deliver enhanced capacity and capability on site.

Head of Aircraft Maintenance Academy at BAE Systems (2014 – 2016)

Led delivery of technical training and workforce development programmes supporting aircraft maintenance.

• Managed a £15m annual budget and a major capital investment programme
• Delivered a new £10m academy project, completed ahead of schedule and within budget
• Led transition of operations with minimal disruption to training delivery.

Head of Operations & Business Development at TQ Education & Training (Pearson Group) (2010 – 2014)

Led multiple business units covering apprenticeships, vocational training, e-learning and employability programmes.

• Turned around an underperforming apprenticeship contract within six months
• Increased company revenue by £4m annually through business development and contract wins
• Expanded educational provision and doubled turnover within the outdoor and employability division
• Led multi-site operations across England.

Contract Manager & Defence Account Lead at Serco (2007 – 2010)

Managed large-scale defence support contracts and commercial operations.

• Led teams of more than 200 personnel
• Secured contract extensions and new business worth over £20m
• Improved profitability significantly across multiple contract portfolios
• Held full responsibility for operational delivery, customer relationships and P&L

Senior Logistics Officer at Royal Air Force (1986 – 2007)

Twenty-one-year military career leading logistics, operational support and training functions worldwide.

• Led departments of up to 300 personnel
• Controlled assets and budgets valued at up to £200m
• Delivered leadership, operational planning and workforce development in complex environments
• Developed a strong foundation in leadership, operational excellence and public service
• developed and delivered a course in the Realities of Air Warfare described as a milestone in RAF training history.

Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management

Military Officer Senior Leadership training course – Defence Academy

Advanced Leadership and Management Training – RAF