With a shortage in engineering skills The OU believes it is vital to have routes for the existing workforce to upskill and retrain. The extension of loan support from Student Finance England for engineering, technology and computer science qualifications will enable thousands the opportunity to gain engineering skills to change or improve their careers.
"This move by the government to help close the STEM skills gap is a positive step in the right direction," Jan Kowal, programme director for Design and Engineering, The OU explained. "Easing the UK skills gap for engineering has in the past relied on people choosing to undertake engineering degree courses after they have finished school, as well as a small handful of individuals who look to retrain in later life when they have more time or finance available to them.
"The ELQ relaxation changes the game entirely, by enabling more people to retrain at all stages of life, consequently creating more chances for people to be placed in the roles that need filling," Kowal said.
Alison Bettley, associate dean at The OU added: "At The OU we pride ourselves on our ability to provide courses and qualifications to those who wouldn't usually be able to enrol in a 'traditional' university degree course due to other existing commitments, such as a full time job, or looking after children or relatives.
"While the relaxation affects many different university courses across the country, the flexible learning options offered by The OU open this opportunity up to more people. As well as enabling graduates who have already undertaken a previous degree to gain another qualification, it also enables more people who are now in employment to build on their skills alongside work and family commitments."
The Open University is now accepting applicants for its Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Master of Engineering and Bachelor of Science (Hons) Computing and IT to begin in courses in October. Registration closes 10th September 2015.
