Latest news and trends

Many employers are using apprenticeships to plug skills gaps, recruit and retain employees and build strong internal talent pipelines. And they are achieving the results they want, but it does require commitment and effort, on the part of the employer, the line manager, the apprentice and the learning provider.

Public sector skills shortages, heavy workloads, wellbeing concerns and staff retention issues were all messages resonating from The Open University (OU)’s latest Business Barometer report, published in 2024 in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce.

Join the celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and explore how The Open University can help your business thrive with flexible apprenticeship opportunities.

Discover how Becca and Jade transformed their passion for women's football into a thriving business with the support of the OU's entrepreneurial programmes and expert mentorship.

The UK has a productivity problem and it’s not going away. When The Open University (OU) surveyed more than 500 business leaders for its new report, Powering up productivity, one in four of them said productivity had dropped in their organisation over the past five years.

The Open University (OU) is thrilled to announce the addition of two new Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) who will work with the university to help aspiring business owners.

Every year, The Open University (OU) produces Trends in Learning, our in-depth report into innovations in workplace learning. We identify emerging trends that are either already having an impact on the world of work or will do in the future.

The Open University (OU) is collaborating with Barclays Eagle Labs to promote the Eagle Labs Academy that will equip budding and established entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to grow their business.

Learn how Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (NHFT) utilises apprenticeships to meet long-term recruitment and workforce goals.

Skills shortages, heavy workloads and wellbeing concerns were all messages resonating from the latest Business Barometer report, an annual temperature check on the UK skills landscape.