COVID-19: Information for employers.
With three-quarters of our students in employment, The Open University in Scotland is at the forefront of ensuring people in the workforce have the opportunities they need to develop and update their skills. Increased skills, employability, and productivity are vital for the economy.
The Open University is committed to providing accessible upskilling opportunities for individuals and businesses across the length and breadth of Scotland. There is more information and a short video on our Upskilling Scotland webpage.
We engage with Scotland's employers to understand their challenges and provide exceptional learning and development solutions for a wide variety of organisations, both in terms of type and size. This includes keeping Scotland’s health, social care, education and business professionals at the head of their fields.
Over 940 students are sponsored to study with us by 260 organisations from the Shetland Islands to Dumfries and Galloway. Many more students pay their course fees and are subsequently reimbursed by their employers.
Our partnership work includes professional and regulatory bodies in key Scottish sectors, like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council.
Find out more about Professional Learning and Development options
The Open University offers Graduate Apprenticeships in Software Development and Cyber Security to employers in Scotland. The apprenticeships are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are available to new and existing employees aged 16 years and over. Visit our apprenticeships page to learn more and register your interest.
OpportunityHub, our free online vacancy service, enables businesses to advertise their opportunities to thousands of our students and graduates.
Businesses can raise their profile with our students by registering on our Employer Showcase. There is also scope to interact directly with our students, through online forums, webinars and social media events.
If you would like to advertise your vacancies for free to OU students and graduates on Opportunity Hub, please contact Page Munro.
In partnership with Santander Universities, we run an internship programme which supports small and medium sized organisations to engage students and graduates on short term placements. This flexible scheme is a great way to attract and retain the very best talent. Please read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information. If you are interested in offering an internship through this scheme, please contact Page Munro.
In the UK's latest Research Excellence Framework, 72% of our submitted research was ranked as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' and we came in the top third of UK higher education institutions for 'research power'. Visit our research pages to learn more about our research expertise. We work in collaboration with organisations to share OU expertise to address their training challenges and other business needs, including through consultancy.
Find out more about working with The OU in Scotland.
Explore our qualifications and courses by requesting one of our prospectuses today.
To discuss staff development and training solutions, please contact:
Suzanne McQuade,
Business Relationships Manager (Scotland) - including Graduate Apprenticeships
Tel: 01908 858 755
Diane Cooper,
Partnerships Manager
Tel: 0131 549 7120
Page Munro,
Partnerships Officer
Tel: 0131 549 7958