COVER STORY - OPEN UNIVERSITY
Expanding the boundaries of STEM education at The Open University
John D ’ Arcy , National Director of The Open University in Northern Ireland , talks to Business First about the outstanding opportunities the OU offers students , employers and the future positive development of the Northern Ireland economy .
John D ’ Arcy , National Director of The Open University in Northern Ireland
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orthern Ireland is facing significant skills shortages in the areas of science , technology , engineering and mathematics ( STEM ), which is making it difficult for organisations to fill increasingly important roles , such as engineers , data analysts , cyber security and digital professionals .
Through its unique style of blended online learning , The Open University is helping thousands of Northern Irish citizens every year to upskill , or reskill , to help close the shortages and provide highly skilled professionals to Northern Ireland employers .
In fact , 37 per cent of its Northern Irish students are studying hard STEM subjects and hundreds are directly sponsored by employers .
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