Flexible learning for employees and their families

For Uber's drivers and their families, the programme provides access to educational opportunities that may previously have been out of reach. Learners can access free courses through OpenLearn, while eligible participants can undertake fully funded undergraduate degrees and professional development programmes.

The initiative is particularly valuable for Uber's diverse driver community. Many participants already hold qualifications gained overseas but face challenges in having those credentials recognised within the UK. The partnership provides an opportunity to gain recognised UK qualifications while continuing to work and support their families.

Uber's driving population and subsequently their family members are a very diverse community. Something like 75% of Uber drivers are first generation migrants to the UK. Their educational background is varied, but quite often they have already gained significant qualifications in their birth country, but have been unable to utilise those qualifications in the UK.

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

Mohammed: Turning a dream of university into reality

• Moved to the UK from Bangladesh and later joined Uber after being made redundant.
• Became eligible for funded study through Uber's Diamond Driver programme.
• Enrolled on an OU Computing degree while continuing to earn and support his family.
• Used the flexibility of online learning to balance work, study and family life.
• Applied his learning to help establish his own business.

Going to university is a big dream. I believe this is a very big gift from Uber to Uber drivers. I'm giving my family time and I'm studying and I'm working.

Mohammed Rashid,
Uber Driver

Nosheen: Rebuilding a career through recognised UK qualifications

• Moved to the UK from Pakistan in 2016.
• Previously achieved a Masters in Business Administration and worked in banking.
• Found it difficult to use her existing qualifications in the UK labour market.
• Accessed the Uber-funded learning opportunity through her husband, an Uber driver.
• Enrolled on a BA (Hons) Business Management degree with The Open University.
• Balanced study alongside work and family commitments.

When I came here I started from scratch at Sainsbury's but was looking for a better opportunity.

Nosheen Abbas,
OU Student and Family Member of an Uber Driver

Since launching in 2019, the partnership between Uber and The Open University has demonstrated how education can become a meaningful driver benefit while supporting personal and professional development.

More than 1,500 learners, including drivers, couriers and eligible family members, have enrolled on OU paid courses. The programme has enabled participants to gain nationally recognised qualifications, develop new skills, pursue professional ambitions and create new career pathways, all while continuing to work and earn.

Central to the programme's success is the shared commitment of Uber and The Open University to flexibility. Learners can study around driving schedules, family responsibilities and other commitments, making higher education accessible to people who may previously have found it difficult to participate.

The flexible model that the OU runs, providing education and providing opportunities to develop skills was really appealing to us. We could provide something for our drivers which they can learn from and fit in around their driving and other commitments.

Sophie Carter
Head of Policy, Uber

The success of the programme is reflected not only in enrolment numbers, but in the individual stories of learners who have transformed their career prospects, fulfilled lifelong ambitions and gained opportunities that may otherwise have remained out of reach.