of manufacturers agree that hiring and retaining employees presents a challenge to the growth of their business

of manufacturers cite skills shortages as their number one barrier to growth

of manufacturers are focusing on reskilling to combat the skills shortages

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

How the Open University (OU) can help empower your workforce

To tackle the ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in STEM, investing in workforce development is essential. Upskilling your team goes beyond just teaching new technical skills – it’s about empowering employees to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and lead organisational change. A strong workforce development strategy is crucial to ensuring your team has the skills and expertise needed to meet the ever-changing demands of the STEM sector.

Get in touch to find out how we can help

Start upskilling today: Free learning resources

Kickstart your workforce development initiatives with OpenLearn, our free and accessible platform offering courses specifically designed to address STEM skills gaps. These resources provide an excellent starting point for addressing immediate training needs, upskilling your team, and setting the foundation for long-term professional development.

Note: Course links will open in a new tab.

Introducing engineering

Explore key themes within engineering, including foundation principles, design, manufacturing and energy.

Information security

Learn why effective information security and management is crucial for organisations and individuals.

Everyday maths

Designed to help refresh maths knowledge and skills.

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Upskill your team: Degrees and modules for STEM

Our flexible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes enable STEM employers to develop the expertise needed to drive meaningful change. Many of our courses have no formal entry requirements, making them accessible to a broad range of employees, regardless of their previous qualifications.

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
• Gain the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Choose from a broad engineering route and six specialist routes

BSc (Honours) Computing with Electronic Engineering

Degrees and individual modules

This combined degree equips you with essential knowledge and practical skills in computing and electronic engineering, opening up diverse career opportunities across various industries.

• Practice electronics using our state-of-the-art multi-award-winning OpenSTEM Labs
• Develop transferable skills applicable to both computing and engineering professions

BSc (Honours) Combined STEM

Degrees and individual modules

This combined STEM degree offers flexibility to study multiple science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects, tailoring the qualification to industry needs.

• Choose modules from across STEM subjects or focus on one or two areas
• Include up to 60 credits from other subjects such as business
• Switch direction if your needs change

Explore the full range of STEM 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.

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* 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…

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