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Unlock your potential

 

Scalable

Reaching organisations right across the nation, those with single or multiple sites, from those in remote and rural to urban areas.

Flexible

Innovative online delivery optimises time in the workplace and accommodates business priorities and personal commitments.

Work-based

Our high-quality solutions provide learners with skills and experience which can be applied immediately to the workplace.

Unlock the potential of your workforce

At The Open University (OU), we promote opportunity by widening access to high-quality learning to all who wish to realise their ambitions – and this includes supporting organisations to address their skills needs through the provision of exceptional workforce development solutions.

As Scotland’s largest provider of flexible part-time higher education, with over 50 years experience of providing innovative distance learning, we are uniquely equipped to help industries address national skills priorities and support employers to develop a futureproof talent pipeline in an ever-changing world of work.

Scottish employer webinar: Access funded training through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund

Watch our webinar to explore how The Open University (OU) can support your organisation to develop your staff and volunteers via the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, which is supported by the Scottish Government via the Scottish Funding Council.

fwdf webinar

Watch on demand

What's it like working with The Open University in Scotland?

Working with The Open University allows us to develop our staff via a wide range of qualifications. The quality of the course content, and its availability at affordable costs, meant there was almost no contest when it came to choose the university as our learning partner.

Anthony Mackie
Service Manager at Glasgow City Council

Supported open entry

Many introductory modules do not have academic entry requirements, enabling learners to develop confidence in their academic ability and study skills to prepare them for further OU study. 

Modular approach and stackable qualifications

Modules can be undertaken individually and used as stepping stones to qualifications including certificates, diplomas, degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.

Study intensity to flex around busy lives

With flexible entry and exit points, individuals can be supported to either increase or reduce their study workload to suit their personal circumstances and work commitments. 

Ways we can help your organisation

OpenLearn

Home of the OU’s free informal learning; a fantastic resource for your employees to develop new skills and knowledge and support transition to formal learning and OU study.

Higher Education Pathways

We can provide progression pathways from non-accredited courses, through to certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees and Master's degrees, including an MBA which is delivered by the OU’s triple-accredited Business School.

Credit Transfer

Your employees may be able to gain recognition of prior learning if they have previously studied at SCQF level 7 or above within the last 16 years, and count this study towards an OU qualification.

Open Degree

Employees can be supported to achieve an OU qualification tailored to business needs – at undergraduate or postgraduate level – through creating a bespoke pathway.

Flexible Workforce Development Fund

Small and medium-sized enterprises (organisations with less than 250 employees) across Scotland can access funded training up to the value of £5,000 provided by the OU to support the development of both employees and volunteers.

Graduate Apprenticeships

Develop the digital talent of new and existing employees through funded undergraduate and postgraduate apprenticeships in cyber security and software development.

Microcredentials

Microcredentials are designed specifically to enhance professional skills, knowledge and experience in a particular subject area or capability.  Funding may be available via the Flexible Workforce Development Fund and the Upskilling Fund.

SAAS Part-Time Fee Grant

To support undergraduate level study, employees may be eligible to apply for funding to cover the cost of course fees if they have a personal income of £25,000 or less per annum.

Knowledge Hub

Resources designed to help you to develop your staff and keep informed of the latest L&D topics and trends.

 

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Find out how we can help your organisation

Please contact us to speak to one of our business team advisors.

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