Closing the engineering skills gap: Powering innovation through upskilling

See how The Open University (OU) can help your engineering workforce thrive

The UK is facing a growing engineering skills shortage – from aerospace to biomedical, manufacturing to infrastructure – threatening productivity and growth across multiple sectors. The shortfall is costing UK businesses billions annually in lost opportunities, project delays, and inflated recruitment costs.

Upskilling your existing team offers a powerful, cost-effective way to respond. By investing in tailored engineering education, your organisation can build specialist capabilities, improve retention, and unlock innovation at every level.

Start building future-ready engineering teams:

of manufacturers report that recruiting and retaining skilled engineers is a barrier to growth

cite skills shortages as the top challenge facing their operations

are investing in reskilling to bridge engineering capability gaps

Source: The Manufacturer and Barclays, 'Now hiring: Understanding and tackling the skills shortage in UK manufacturing'

How the OU supports engineering employers

Whether you’re managing infrastructure projects, developing clean technologies, modernising defence systems, or innovating in healthcare, your engineering teams need to stay ahead. At The Open University, we are one of the UK’s largest providers of flexible, work-ready engineering education.

Our qualifications are designed for busy professionals and built to address sector-specific challenges in:

Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Aerospace and Marine Engineering
Defence Engineering
Biomedical and Health Engineering

From degree apprenticeships to modular upskilling pathways, we help employers close the engineering talent gap and futureproof their workforce.

Get in touch to explore how we can support your goals

Start upskilling with free engineering courses

OpenLearn offers free, bite-sized courses designed to support foundational and professional engineering skills. Popular examples include:

Note: Course links will open in a new tab.

Introducing engineering

Discover the fundamentals of design, manufacturing, systems, and energy – a perfect foundation for engineering pathways.

Assessing risk in engineering, work and life

Understand the concept of risk, learn how accidents occur, conduct a basic risk assessment and utilise probability to reduce undesirable outcomes.

Everyday maths

Refresh your team’s essential numeracy skills for technical roles.

Explore more free engineering courses

Explore more free science, maths and technology courses

Engineering degrees and professional modules

Our flexible qualifications are designed for professionals in technical, supervisory, and leadership roles. Many have no formal entry requirements, making them ideal for upskilling and career progression.

Note: Course links in this section will open in a new tab.

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

Degrees and individual modules

This engineering qualification prepares you for Incorporated and Chartered Engineer status while developing essential skills through collaborative and individual project work.

Accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council
Supports progression toward Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status
Choose from a broad engineering route and six specialist routes
Delivered flexibly, with strong employer relevance

BSc (Honours) Computing with Electronic Engineering

Degrees and individual modules

A hybrid programme ideal for roles bridging IT and electronics in sectors such as defence, aerospace, and automation.

Hands-on learning via our award-winning OpenSTEM Labs
Prepares learners for multidisciplinary challenges in embedded systems and smart tech

Master of Engineering

Postgraduate degree

Our Master of Engineering (MEng) program fulfills the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status, equipping graduates with a competitive edge in the engineering profession.

Gain advanced skills, practical techniques, and in-depth knowledge essential for success as a professional engineer
Follow a broad engineering route or select a specialist path tailored to your requirements
Undertake real-world projects, deliver innovative solutions and practice both collaborative and independent work
Accredited by a number of professional bodies

Explore the full range of engineering courses

Explore the School of STEM

We are world leaders in inclusive, innovative and impactful STEM teaching and research. Through collaboration with a wide range of partners we drive innovation, shape policy and practice throughout the UK and around the world.

Why choose the OU?

With over 50 years of experience, The Open University is a leader in providing flexible, high-quality education and training solutions to a wide range of sectors. We’ve empowered over 2.3 million learners, including numerous tech companies, engineering firms, and research organisations.

Engineering-focused education: Built in consultation with sector leaders.
Proven expertise: 50+ years of delivering flexible, high-quality education.
Proven flexibility: Online, work-based and part-time formats.
Trusted by leading employers: Employers across the UK rely on us to address workforce development challenges.

Ready to strengthen your engineering workforce?

Find out how we can support your organisation

The OU can help you design bespoke upskilling solutions, access accredited qualifications, and support employee development across your engineering teams.

Get in touch

Close the engineering gap. Build future-ready capability. Invest in your people.

* The UK's STEM skills shortage costs employers an estimated £1.5billion a year in additional training costs, recruitment, temporary staffing and inflated salaries. https://www.smf.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/SMF-CAGE-Policy-Briefi…