Download - 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