The Open University (OU) has unveiled a new collection of free short courses on its OpenLearn platform, aimed at helping graduates in Northern Ireland to enhance their CVs with essential soft skills sought by employers.
This initiative comes in response to a recent OU survey of 500 employers across the UK which revealed striking insights into the current job market:
The survey identified the top three soft skills most valued by employers, which these courses aim to address:
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The courses come with statements of participation and digital badges, allowing learners to showcase their achievements to potential employers.
Michael Bower, Assistant Director Student Support and External Engagement of The Open University in Ireland, stated, "Our research clearly shows that employers value soft skills highly. OU graduates often enter the job market with a distinct advantage in these areas due to their unique learning experience which often involves students working while studying. By offering these free courses, we're extending this opportunity to all young graduates, empowering them to meet the evolving demands of the job market, develop their confidence, and boost their employability."
Jen Schneider, Head of Early Careers at Kainos, a global digital technology company whose headquarters are in Belfast said: “We want candidates who have the right technical skills and abilities, but it's also essential they evidence softer skills to help them thrive in a business setting, such as great teamwork, creative problem solving and communication and influencing skills. Applicants with well-developed soft skills tend to add value quicklyand flourish in the work environment; hence why these skills are so important.”
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Nick Townsend (27), a recent OU graduate from Larne who balanced studies with a full-time job, shared: “It's allowed me to get my ideal job in Data Analytics and the skills I've gained from the degree have prepared me well for the beginning of my career.
“It's made me much more disciplined and organised. Before my OU studies I struggled with these things and now that they're invaluable in the professional world. I'm very glad to have had the chance to improve them during my OU studies”.
The OU is currently enrolling students for courses starting in October, with a final deadline of 5 September. Studying with the OU equips students with more than a qualification – their vast range of courses are carefully designed to ensure young people gain many transferrable skills which are valued by employers and all students have access to their quality certifies, award-winning Careers and Employability Services.
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For more information about these free courses and to start learning, visit the OpenLearn website https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue
To find out more about the OU’s selection of undergraduate degrees that allow you to study flexibly around your life, visit www.open.ac.uk. The next deadline for application is 5th September for courses starting in October.
Join the conversation online with the hashtag #careerready.
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