Associate Feature: Reaching across Scotland to deliver life changing learning

OU study unlocks ambition
An Open University (OU) degree course unlocked new ambitions for Glasgow based Zara Dyer who was told she had ‘no prospects’ at school but now studies part-time while working as a support advisor for people who have experienced alcohol and substance abuse.
She featured on our podcast Life…On Our Terms talking about how she built the confidence to follow her dream to start her own counselling clinic, “I fully intend to continue learning for the rest of my life. That’s come from the OU giving me a voice,” says Zara.

Language course delivers pupil benefits
An OU Teachers Learning to Teach languages (TELT) programme supported Aberden-based teacher Hazel Taylor to upskill and introduce new ideas in her classroom.
The course contributes to delivery of the Scottish Government’s 1+2 language policy and is approved by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Delivered flexibly, it fitted well around Hazel’s full-time role and her pupils have benefited.
“I have been more adventurous in my planning of languages activities,” she says, “so the children have had a more varied and engaging experience.”

Microcredential provides new skills
A fully funded business management microcredential helped Jonny Perriam upskill after being furloughed. It supported him to deliver a new post pandemic business direction as he returned to his role at Edinburgh Rugby.
His role involves marketing Edinburgh Rugby’s offering and attracting new commercial partners in the city, Scotland and beyond. 
He said: “It was the perfect time to learn more about marketing and use it, as Edinburgh Rugby look to launch a more outbound approach to marketing commercial opportunities.”

OU studies launch entrepreneurship journey
It was while studying for an OU MBA that Greenock-based Claudio Marturano made the decision to become an entrepreneur and start his own business. 
Originally trained as an aircraft maintenance engineer, he is now the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the T-C-Alliance, which offers aviation training and consultancy. 
To help decide where to study, he compared price, impact on career, ease of use, availability of support, and accreditation: “Ultimately, The OU scored as the best overall for what I wanted to achieve.” 

This article is sponsored by The Open University.