Welcome to the North Lanarkshire Council and Open University Skills Pathway Platform
Our Chief Officer for Education - North, Gerard McLaughlin, introduces the Skills Pathway Platform. A transcript is available by clicking the View Transcript link below.
The Open University (OU) is a distance learning university which
was founded in 1969, with the aim of providing flexible and accessible higher
education to anyone, regardless of their location, background or age. The OU is
unique in that it offers part-time distance learning courses and degrees,
allowing students to study at their own pace and on their own terms.
The history of The Open University is rooted in the concept of social justice and widening participation in education and aims is to make higher education accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. The OU has an international reputation for academic excellence, with many of its courses and degrees ranking highly in global university rankings and we are proud to have entered into partnership with them.
One of the key benefits of this partnership agreement, and any further study, with The Open University is it's flexibility. Employees can choose when and where they study, allowing them to fit their education around their work, family and other commitments. It provides an emphasis on practical skills and real-world learning. Many of it's courses and degrees are designed in partnership with employers and industry experts, ensuring that students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen field. It's commitment to widening participation and social justice has made it a leading provider of distance learning in the UK and beyond.
The Open University's goals focus on providing accessible, flexible and practical higher education to students from all backgrounds, thereby aligning to the North Lanarkshire vision of equity and excellence.
The North Lanarkshire Council and Open University collaboration is a unique offer in local authorities in Scotland. By providing high quality training for all employees, relevant to their roles, the council aims to improve service delivery and ensure that all its children and young people receive the best possible outcomes.
By investing in its employees' professional development, we seek to demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality services. The partnership with The Open University has enabled the council to offer sector-leading training initiatives, which will continue to grow over time, equipping a highly motivated workforce that is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving public sector.
I hope you will enjoy the training opportunities on offer and utilise the many benefits of this innovative partnership approach.
Please go to the Getting started section to learn how to create your Open University account and enrol on the courses contained in the Pathways.
Gerard
McLaughlin
Chief Officer
(Education - North)
