Uber and The Open University: Driving opportunity through flexible learning

Uber graduation 2026

Summary:

  • Partner: Uber
  • Sector: Private technology company
  • Challenges: Supporting workforce development and creating accessible learning opportunities for drivers and their families while accommodating varied working patterns, personal commitments and financial constraints.
  • Solution: Fully funded, flexible learning through The Open University as part of Uber Pro, including access to recognised qualifications, remote study, personalised support and adaptable study options.
  • Outcome: Supports driver engagement and loyalty, expanded career and skills development opportunities, and improved access to higher education for a diverse learner community.

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Overview: Supporting workforce development through flexible learning

The partnership between Uber and The Open University demonstrates how accessible education can become a valuable part of a reward and recognition strategy. By combining fully funded learning with flexible study, the programme helps individuals develop new skills while balancing work, family and other commitments.

For Uber, the initiative forms part of Uber Pro, a programme designed to reward driver loyalty and performance with access to benefits both on and off the road, including education via The Open University.

Why it works: Flexibility that fits around life

One of the key reasons for the partnership's success is the flexibility built into The Open University's learning model.

Drivers and or family members can:

  • Study remotely from anywhere
  • Fit learning around work and family commitments
  • Increase or reduce study intensity when needed
  • Access personalised academic and student support
  • Gain recognised qualifications while working

This approach opens opportunities to people who may otherwise find higher education difficult to access due to work patterns, caring responsibilities or financial constraints.

The learners have all kinds of backgrounds. They come from different countries, from different demographic backgrounds. They often have personal ambitions, to work in finance, to work in law, and we give them this opportunity.

Mariusz Zabrocki,
Head of Driver Operations UK, Uber

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Real learner stories

Vijdan's story

After accessing the opportunity through her father-in-law, an Uber driver, Vijdan completed a Bachelor of Laws degree with The Open University. She found the flexibility of distance learning allowed her to combine work with study in a way traditional university education had not.

Today she works full-time within the NHS and credits her studies with helping her develop both confidence and professional skills.

This is a perfect opportunity for people that want to work but want to open new doors for themselves, new opportunities to make new connections to learn different skills.

Vijdan,
OU Law Graduate

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Afra's story

Uber driver Afra discovered the scheme after reaching Gold driver status and chose to pursue her interest in social sciences. As a single parent balancing three children and multiple jobs, flexibility was essential.

She believes the programme provides individuals with opportunities to develop ambitions and work towards future career goals while maintaining existing commitments.

I think it's the perfect platform for anyone who has some sort of ambitions to do something for themselves because you have the flexibility of working from anywhere.

Afra,
Uber Driver and OU Graduate

To view subtitles, please click the subtitles icon. You can also download a transcript here.

Mohammad's story

Mohammad moved to the UK from Pakistan with a Food Technology degree but struggled to use his qualification and later became an Uber driver in Slough. He always wanted to continue his studies, but cost was a barrier until Uber funded an Open University degree. Mohammad chose Health Sciences because it built on his science background and aligned with his career ambitions.

He was able to balance study with Uber driving and family life, using the flexibility of work to fit learning around other commitments. After six years of study, Mohammad graduated and is now pursuing opportunities in research and further study.

When I receive my degree, it's going to be a sense of achievement and I'll be over the moon.

Mohammad,
Uber Driver and OU Graduate

To view subtitles, please click the subtitles icon. You can also download a transcript here.

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Conclusion: Education as a strategic benefit

The Uber partnership highlights how organisations can use learning opportunities to:

  • Enhance benefits and rewards packages
  • Support skills development and career progression
  • Improve engagement and loyalty
  • Create opportunities for future careers

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Let's solve your skills challenge together

The Open University has a dedicated team of employer and partnership managers who can work with you to upskill and reskill your teams via a range of courses and programmes.

Whether you are a new business or an established employer, our team has a wealth of sector expertise and experience and can link you with our wider academic community to help to solve your organisation's challenges.

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