Plugging the engineering skills gap
Cogent, the sector skills council for the Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Nuclear, Oil & Gas, Petroleum & Polymers industries, estimates a higher level skills gap of 85,000 engineers and scientists by 2020.
The Open University is geared to respond to the sector’s higher level skills strategy, in particular by:
- developing short courses with bite-sized credit accumulation;
- incorporating modular, flexible and blended delivery (e-learning, academic and workplace learning) in engineering learning and development
- accreditation of bespoke programmes, prior learning, and in-house training.
Engineering degrees
One way of filling the engineering skills gap is to upskill your workforce through our B.Eng. (Hons) and M.Eng. degrees, the latter of which can lead to membership of professional bodies such as the Institute of Engineering Design.
Foundation Degrees
The OU’s foundation degrees are approximately equivalent to the first two years of an accredited honours degree such as B.Eng.(Hons)
This OU’s Foundation Degree in Engineering is designed for employees working at a technical level in an engineering capacity, looking to acquire the skills necessary take on extra responsibilities or gain promotion within the workplace. Studying for this degree will develop the knowledge and skills needed to work more effectively.
The OU Foundation Degree in Materials Fabrication and Engineering is a perfect example of how we blend employer learning provision, in this case from the Welding Institute’s (TWI) Diploma, with OU engineering courses to deliver a qualification that is tightly defined to meet employers’ needs.
Masters Degrees
The MSc in Technology Management is a challenging programme that engages students both academically and professionally, giving them the opportunity to pursue an investigation or piece of research in an aspect of technology management that is of particular interest to them and your organisation.
Management development and other professional skills
The OU can equip your sector with a range of skills which will enhance the management development and professionalism of your staff. Our management development qualifications are explained in Professional Courses
Custom solutions
If your organisation would benefit from training customised to its own circumstances, challenges and context, click Custom Solutions