distance higher education and employability

Making The Open University a significant partner of choice for employers

Professor Alan Tait

Pro-Vice-Chancellor

The Open University

The core issues

• Increased demand from employers• The skills gap in the UK• Widening Participation and social justice• More diversified income streams for The Open

University

Core challenges

• Can the university work effectively with employers?• Do employers want to invest in learning and

development?• How could The Open University differentiate

itself from other universities?

Understanding what employers want

• Relationship management• Flexibility• The employer journey• From B2C to B2B• The Open University achievement in the National

Student Survey

Sector Approach

Focus

• Choosing the employment sectors• Proportion of workforce at English Qualification

Framework 3 and 4• Spend on Learning and Development• Openness to blended and e-learning• Research and knowledge transfer investment

Key capabilities of The Open University• Delivered to home or workplace• Delivered anywhere in UK or the world• Recognition of prior achievement• Reputation for Quality

Where we are

• 16,500 students sponsored directly by employer to be doubled by 2012

• Centre for short tailored learning experiences• Sectors in Health and IT/Telecoms• Director for Change• Sponsorship at Pro-Vice-Chancellor level