University calls for a funding model that supports part-time higher education and a culture of lifelong learning

The Open University in Northern Ireland has welcomed the Department for the Economy’s Skills for a 10x Economy Strategy but says a funding model that works for part-time higher education ‘is essential’.

The Open University, Northern Ireland’s leading provider of flexible, online higher education, has welcomed the Department for the Economy’s Skills for a 10x Economy Strategy published at the end of March.

The Department’s Skills Strategy was launched after the publication of the University’s own manifesto ‘The Future is Flexible’ which calls for the introduction of a Lifelong Learning Bill and increased financial support for part-time students. The two documents align on many points, including a joint vision to address skills imbalances to support economic growth and the development of a culture of lifelong learning. Key to delivering on this will be a focus on ensuring part-time higher education is truly accessible.

Welcoming the Department’s strategy, John D’Arcy, Director for The Open University in Northern Ireland said: “If we are to move forward as a society and reshape our economy for growth, a renewed focus on learning and addressing the skills gaps will be crucial. Investment in accessible part-time higher education supports social inclusion and economic growth and must be our economic priority.

“The concept of having a linear career is well and truly in the past. For many jobs, especially in the fast-moving digital sector, continuous learning is going to be required. Embedding a culture of lifelong learning will help support career resilience and allow citizens to adapt to the changing employment market.”

Our government must acknowledge and address existing financial and social barriers to education and put measures in place to allow individuals to access the education they need to ‘upskill’ or ‘reskill’.

Addressing this point D’Arcy adds: “I very much welcome the Department’s policy objective to create a culture of lifelong learning. This directly aligns with The Open University’s call for a statutory right to lifelong learning, ensuring education is meaningfully accessible to everyone, at any stage of life. 

“Core to lifelong learning is part-time further and higher education. If we are to be successful in realising this objective, a funding model that works for part-time is essential. Research shows part-time students are particularly price sensitive, they are more likely to be older and in lower paid jobs, to be female and have caring responsibilities, or a disability.

Part-time students should have access to loans that cover the full cost of the course, maintenance support and the childcare grant.”

“As pioneers of lifelong learning, The Open University has made education and learning accessible to millions of adults across the UK and Ireland.  The next few years will be crucial in reshaping our economy and we look forward to working with the Department to help deliver the ambitions of the Skills for a 10x Economy Strategy.”

More information on The Open University’s manifesto ‘The Future is Flexible’ can be found here  or search OU manifesto.