Free online learning hub launched by The Open University and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions

In a joint initiative, The Open University in Ireland (the OU) and the Northern Irish Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NIC ICTU) have launched a free online learning hub aimed at providing valuable education resources to workers and their families.

The online learning hub offers a range of courses, articles and videos, covering subjects such as IT and digital skills, employability, health & social care, and essential skills in English and maths.  The courses are designed to be flexible, allowing learners to study at their own pace and fit their learning around their work and family commitments.

Speaking at the NIC ICTU Union Learning conference on Friday 31 March 2023, where the hub was launched, John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said “We are delighted to partner with NIC ICTU to offer free online learning opportunities to workers across Northern Ireland.  Education and skills are key to improving people’s lives and increasing their employment opportunities.  With the online learning hub, we aim to provide accessible, high-quality learning resources to workers across Northern Ireland, regardless of their background or experience.”

Gerry Murphy, Assistant General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, also welcomed the initiative, saying, “In today’s rapidly changing world of work, it is more important than ever for workers to continuously update their skills and knowledge.  The online learning hub provides an excellent opportunity for workers to upskill and reskill, helping to improve their job prospects and enhance their quality of life.”

The launch of the online learning hub comes at a time when workers across Northern Ireland are facing significant challenges.  The platform offers a much-needed lifeline to workers who may be affected by the cost-of-living challenges, providing them with the free skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the changing world of work.

The hub is open to all workers, whether or not they are members of the trade union.  To access the courses, learners simply need to visit The OU’s OpenLearn website.  The courses are free of charge, learners can study at their own pace, with no deadlines or exams to worry about.

The OU in Ireland and NIC ICTU are committed to supporting workers in Northern Ireland and providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-changing world of work.  The launch of the online learning hub is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Access the learning hub here.