Solve digital skills shortages: Empower your workforce for the future

In a rapidly changing business landscape, consumer expectations are shifting, and digital transformation is happening at an accelerated rate. The question is: How can your organisation keep up?

In our latest report, Powering up productivity, we discovered that many decision-makers are concerned that a shortage of digital skills is directly impacting their organisation’s productivity.

While the issue of digital skills shortages is widely acknowledged, many organisations struggle to find effective solutions to bridge the gap and upskill their workforce.

The Open University (OU) can help.

said skills shortages are negatively impacting productivity in their organisation

agreed that a lack of relevant technical skills and outdated systems or technology were the main barriers

believed that adopting new technologies would positively impact the productivity of their organisation

Data: Powering up productivity, The Open University 2024

How the OU can support your digital transformation journey

Adopting digital technologies is a significant challenge for many businesses. It's not just about ensuring your teams have the skills to use new tools; it's equally important to equip them with the ability to identify opportunities where technology can enhance processes, products, and services. Additionally, successful implementation requires the capacity to roll out these innovations across the organisation.

The OU has a proven track record of empowering businesses with the digital capabilities they need. Through a wide range of programmes—including degree courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and free learning resources—we help teams build the expertise to drive digital transformation and unlock the full potential of technology.

Do you need support with digital skills in your organisation?

Explore our learning resources below and reach out to discuss how we can support your requirements.

Get in touch

Get started: Free digital learning resources

Kickstart your team's digital learning journey with OpenLearn, our platform offering a variety of free, accessible courses.

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

Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world

This free course helps build essential skills for thriving online. Topics include digital identity, online safety, managing information overload, and using digital tools effectively.

Introduction to artificial intelligence

This introductory course explores the historical, ethical, and social implications of AI, helping participants understand its impact on society and the workplace.

Introduction to software development

Perfect for those new to the field, this free course covers the basics of software development, from engineering practices to addressing the challenges developers face.

See more free digital courses on OpenLearn

Click Start with The Open University

The Click Start programme offers UK adults aged 18-35 fully-funded opportunities to develop skills in cyber security, coding, and AI, helping them advance in their current roles or prepare for new ones. The programme includes careers coaching, making it ideal for those in the early stages of their careers. It’s free to join and runs until 30th September 2025.

Explore Click Start

Nurture talent: Digital apprenticeship programmes

A solution to your skills shortages could be closer than you think—right within your current workforce. Our Digital Apprenticeship programmes provide customised learning pathways to attract new talent or develop existing staff, ultimately boosting your organisation’s productivity.

Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Degree Apprenticeship - England

Tailor the content to your organisation's specific needs

This apprenticeship allows you to create a customised learning pathway that suits your organisation’s specific needs—whether in cyber security, data analysis, software development, or network engineering.

Available in England
100% online
Duration: 4-4.5 years
Funded through the apprenticeship levy

Success story: IBM

Our solution is to build our own talent. We can bring people in with little to no technical skills and train them. They can immediately apply what they’re learning on the apprenticeship and see how it actually works in business. That ability to learn through the academic route and immediately apply it to project work is fantastic.
John Griffin
Learning and Development Leader for Early Professionals, IBM

Read full IBM success story

Applied Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Wales

Provides the knowledge and skills to create software engineering professionals

This programme is designed to equip apprentices with the skills needed to become professional software engineers.

Available in Wales
100% online
Duration: 4-4.5 years
Fully funded by the Welsh government

Why the OU?

For over 50 years, The Open University has been at the forefront of distance learning, helping organisations upskill their workforce and stay competitive. We’ve supported over 2.3 million learners, including 73 FTSE 100 companies and currently work with more than 2,700 organisations worldwide.

Proven expertise: Over 50 years' of experience in providing accessible, high-quality education.
Industry partnerships: We partner with leading organisations to ensure our courses align with current business needs and trends.
Trusted by leading employers: Organisations from FTSE 100 companies to local authorities and NHS trusts rely on us for their learning and development needs.

Get in touch

Find out how we can help you on your digital journey

Click below to discover how we can support your organisation’s digital learning goals. Whether it’s introducing apprenticeships, curating custom training resources, or launching digital transformation initiatives, we’re here to help.

Get in touch

Upskill: Degrees, modules and short courses

Our undergraduate programmes provide flexible learning options with no formal entry requirements, enabling employees to begin their studies regardless of prior qualifications. Choose a structured pathway leading to a specific degree, or create your own tailored programme with our unique Open qualifications. For those who already hold a degree, our postgraduate programmes offer an excellent opportunity to build on existing expertise and elevate skills.

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

Computing and IT

Degrees and individual modules

Equip your employees with the skills to manage networks, databases, and software solutions. Our accredited degree is developed in partnership with industry experts to ensure relevance and real-world application.

Includes Cisco Networking and DevNet modules for professional networking credentials.
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Cyber Security

Degrees and individual modules

Help your team develop essential skills to protect your organisation in an increasingly digital world. This course aligns with CyBOK and CISSec frameworks to ensure your employees gain the highest industry-standard qualifications.

Aligned with The Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) and CISSec framework.
Focus on practical applications and real-world scenarios.

Introduction to digital transformation

CPD short course

This CPD course is designed to guide organisations through the process of digital transformation, providing practical insights and best practices for implementing change successfully.

Understand the core aspects and objectives of digital transformation, including key success and failure factors.
Learn to scope, plan, and benchmark an organisation’s transformation journey.
Part of the Digital Transformation short course collection.

Explore the full catalogue of digital courses

Create your own degree

Take advantage of our Open Qualifications (BA/BSc and MA/MSc), which can be fully customised to suit your organisation’s needs—whether you're focused on leadership, management, or specific digital skills. This flexibility ensures your employees gain exactly what they need.

Explore Open qualifications

Success stories: Real impact across industries

Explore how organisations are successfully addressing their digital skills challenges with the OU's programmes.

By hiring people on the apprenticeship programme, it allows us to structure their learning along with their growth within the business. So what they’re learning at work feeds into what they’re learning at university, and what they’re learning on the programme benefits us as well.
Fiona Mason
Human Resources Director, RDT