Free training offered to Glastonbury town residents

Success story: Glastonbury Town

Summary:

  • Partner: Glastonbury Town
  • Sector: Public sector, Local Authority
  • Challenges: Needing to offer access to skills training for residents with a variety of qualifications or educational levels
  • Solution: Access to OpenLearn, microcredentials or degrees, through the Open University (OU)
  • Outcome: Easy access to training for thousands of local residents, leading to improved skills and potential employment opportunities

Background: Access to education for all

Glastonbury town wanted to be able to offer local residents the chance to improve their skills and knowledge - whether to increase their prospects for employability or simply for leisure learning.

Their partnership with The Open University, funded by the Glastonbury Town Deal, resulted in them offering both informal and formal courses to residents completely free of charge, via their online Skills Hub.

A winning combination

The partnership aligned fully with the OU’s mission to be open to all, as residents could learn regardless of any previous qualifications or educational background.

The flexibility of the offering meant that people could choose a type of course - from simple OpenLearn courses to short courses, like a microcredential or even embarking on a more formal degree course.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to see what the OU has to offer. Whether it be learning for personal development, or perhaps working towards a formal qualification that was previously out of reach financially, this is a chance for anyone, irrespective of their previous educational background, to realise their ambitions.

Simon Tindall,
Head of Skills and Innovation, The Open University

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Conclusion: Easy learning options with recognised credibility

The learners who have accessed courses via the Skills Hub get the chance to share their achievements with others, by being awarded a digital badge on completion of three OpenLearn courses.

The badge is endorsed by local employers, helping residents to show their commitment to learning and new skills when looking for work.

The Glastonbury Town Deal Board has initiated this unique and exciting partnership with The Open University to offer a wide range of learning opportunities for the people of Glastonbury.

Dr Lynee Sedgmore CBE
Chair, Glastonbury Town Deal

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