Attracting the brightest and the best: Vertali’s 2025 ‘New To Z’ intake

July 2025 saw four talented individuals join Vertali’s NTZ initiative, the five-year program focused on developing the next generation of mainframe professionals.

This record intake underlines Vertali’s current growth phase, with a flow of new joiners increasing the number of permanent employees and contractors across our global operations.

NTZ identifies talent then provides 6-9 months of detailed preparation followed by mentoring and on-the-job training. Formal aspects include mandatory training and access to courses including Interskill Learning and IBM SkillsBuild. While NTZs are supervised and receive extensive mentoring, self-driven learning is an important element.

Meet this year’s NTZ joiners

NISHKA SARDAR was recently awarded a First Class BSC (Hons) degree in Computer Science (Software Engineering) by the University of Wolverhampton. In her final year, she was President of the University Mainframe Student Society.

“I found out about mainframes from my lecturer, Herb Daly,” says Nishka. “NTZ will give me a good understanding of different areas and systems on the mainframe, providing a strong foundation to build towards specific areas of interest. I like that the training being offered covers a wide range of topics.” Nishka was recently interviewed on the Mainframe Society’s podcast by Vertali’s own Niall Ashley. Nishka on LinkedIn.

SIMRAN SHARMA was awarded a First Class BSC (Hons) degree in Computing, Cyber Security and Networking in 2025 by The Bedford College Group, accredited by the University of Northampton.

She says, “My journey in computing began in secondary school and led to a BTEC Level 3, my degree, and a Digital Forensics course. During my degree, I was invited to the GS UK conference, which sparked my curiosity about mainframes and how they work. I like that the NTZ programme starts with training and lets you apply what you’ve learned. As you grow, you get to support clients and specialize in an area you enjoy, with plenty of chances for further courses – something not many programs offer. I took several IBM Z courses and completed the MOST Mainframe Offensive Security Tester course offered by Kev Milne. Simran on LinkedIn.

MARCUS CHALKLIN is a former Network Engineer with the Royal Corps of Signals, the British Army’s combat support arm responsible for information systems and battlefield communications that are essential to operations.

Marcus says, “Prior to joining Vertali, I had minimal knowledge and interactions with the mainframe. What attracted me to NTZ was the amount there is to learn, the Vertali team, and how friendly everyone is. NTZ will broaden my knowledge on everything the company offers whilst giving me the option to specialize.” Marcus on LinkedIn.

LEINARD ALEJANDRINO recently graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a First Class BSC (Hons) degree in Cyber Security. He was Treasurer of the University Mainframe Student Society, and an IBM Student Ambassador.

“Before NTZ, I had limited knowledge of mainframes, mostly gained from the IBM Zxplore Learning Platform and picked up from attending WAVEZ and GS UK events,” Leinard says. “I’m looking forward to gaining experience working alongside highly experienced professionals. NTZ is five years, so I’ll have the opportunity and space to decide where I want to specialise. Leinard on LinkedIn.

Learn more about New to Z here.