Marvin OnumonuThe Open University (OU) and the 5% Club have launched a career development portal, the 5% Club Academy, aimed at HR professionals and those working with emerging talent.
The 5% Club is a charity that encourages workplace learning and skills development.
The new academy is free to all current members.
The portal gives members access to a range of courses, including those from the OU’s OpenLearn platform and the Brathay Trust.
The approach is self-directed, letting users set their own learning pace and focus on skills they choose to build.
Phil Kenmore, director of employers and partnerships at the OU, said: “At the OU we are always looking for new ways to support flexible and accessible upskilling, particularly for those who may not usually find the time.
“The launch of this initiative with The 5% Club offers members an opportunity to carve out valuable time for professional growth and a dedicated space for development that they may not have previously had.”
Simon Ashby, head of OpenLearn, said: “While OpenLearn supports millions of home learners, we are also increasingly seeing businesses turn to free learning to support and upskill their employees via our range of free courses.
“This can be for career development – in subjects such as management, leadership and communication skills – or it can be to support employees and their families outside of the workplace with areas such as mental health and wellbeing, personal finances and every-day maths and English.
“In times of limited budgets and resources, OpenLearn showcases how The Open University’s learning is transformational for all, a true business benefit.”
Mark Cameron, chief executive officer of the 5% Club, said: “We are delighted to partner with the OU on the launch of The 5% Club Academy, a brand-new initiative designed to support our members with personal and career development opportunities.
“This exclusive program provides free, high-quality learning resources, including carefully selected courses tailored for HR professionals and those focused on emerging talent.”
