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Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec

OpenClassrooms brings completely online degrees within reach of millions with UK launch

International learning platform brings first multilingual, completely-online bachelor’s degree.

Job seekers and students in the UK can now access the first completely-online international bachelor’s degree following the UK launch of OpenClassrooms, the global digital skills education platform. The completely online path* means that students can now get a bachelor’s degree in a much sought-after digital skill in as little as 12 months.

With more than 12.6 million UK adults lacking basic digital skills needed in the workplace, OpenClassrooms provides a unique resource for individuals who want to learn new skills to remain competitive in the job market, or to transfer to a new, lucrative career in technology.

OpenClassrooms provides a unique, completely-online approach to professional learning and certification for much-needed digital skills. More than 2 million users around the world are currently studying with OpenClassrooms to master a variety of skills such as coding, web design, and digital culture. The learning paths enable people to acquire the skills they need to secure their dream job and stay qualified in an ever-evolving digital world.

The UK launch represents a fully-localised offering of the OpenClassrooms’ courses and projects, which take learners from first principles to full mastery – aided by one-to-one access to mentors via videochat.

Since 2013, OpenClassrooms has developed a new philosophy to online learning. Central to this approach is a focus on peer-to-peer learning and one-on-one mentoring with a dedicated tutor, to motivate and suggest specific exercises to help the student achieve mastery. The company works with the business community and academics to design comprehensive paths that deliver project-based approaches ensuring a practical link that meet the needs of today’s businesses.

UK digital skills crisis

The digital skills crisis is one of the biggest strategic threats facing major developed economies, including the UK. Earlier this summer the Parliamentary Science and Technology Committee warned that millions of UK adults lack basic digital skills required in the workplace, and that the digital skills gap is costing £63bn a year in lost GDP.

“There is a widespread shortage of digital skills, not just in the UK but around the world,” said OpenClassrooms CEO and co-founder Pierre Dubuc. “Quite simply, technology has developed much faster than nations’ ability to provide access to digital skills learning programmes. Which is why we believe in an open to all, completely-online, fully accredited degree which is internationally recognised.”

“But digital skills are not just for people looking to change careers: they are for anyone who wants to remain relevant in their job, or to move to a more exciting, better-paid profession,” continued Dubuc. “It’s also vital for organisations that want to equip their staff with the skills enabling the business to be quicker, cleverer and more nimble in the modern digital world.”

International Bachelor’s degree-level pathway – Front End Web Development

OpenClassrooms’ first UK degree-level path, also launched today, is in Frontend Web Development. The degree comprises 9 projects and 17 courses which teach the skills necessary to construct the visual interface of webpages, and will require students to master subjects such as CSS, HTML and JavaScript. The path is suitable for any post-GCSE student with good English and who has access to a computer, webcam and broadband connection. This means that students as young as 18 can gain the qualification needed to become a junior developer – and go on to a career where they could earn up to £45,000 a year.

“The UK government, to its credit, has made digital skills an urgent strategic priority – not least in its Post-16 Skills Plan,” said Dubuc. “What’s needed now is to provide access to cutting-edge content and personalized mentoring for faster achievement – all of which we look forward to providing to students from the UK and beyond.”

www.openclassrooms.com