Forging a Flexible Workforce

The Open University as part of the Arc Universities Group (AUG) is a consortium of nine universities working together towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.

18 Feb 2022 Viren Patel, Director of Development, Open University

As the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning, since it began in 1969, the OU has taught more than two million students worldwide and currently has over 205,000 students, including more than 8,000 overseas.

The Open University works collaboratively with employers and other partners across the Arc to reskill and upskill their workforces. For many years, employers across the public and private sectors have been demanding flexible, work-based learning, which cuts down on disruption to both the business, and the employee’s work and personal commitments. Employers often comment on the immediate benefit felt by the organisation as OU learners learn while they earn.

Progression pathways through collaboration

The Open University also works collaboratively with other educational providers within the Arc to offer clear pathways for learners moving through different levels of education. The OU works with Milton Keynes College and the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) to allow learners to take two years at the College qualifying for an HND (Higher National Diploma), followed by a third top-up year with the OU to achieve a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree awarded by the University. They will follow the same pattern of study at the SCIoT, to obtain a BSc (Honours) Computing & IT Practice.

In addition, the OU is working with the college on a Department of Education Strategic Development Fund pilot to provide training opportunities for skills required by local employers.

A bright and innovative future

These are just some of the success stories as The Open University continues to play a significant role in delivery priority skills needs both within the Arc and the local region. Keen to be visible and proactive in the local business community, the OU has been a headline sponsor of the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA) since its inception in 2014.