Insight into Impact – the Employability of Qualifiers Survey: Exploring the added value of part-time distance learning study

Abstract

The recognition of different forms of learning to maximise development of employability across a range of societal groups is crucial for economic progress. Part-time and distance learning study has historically been included with generic measures of Higher Education (HE) impact, such as the Destination of Leavers from HE survey. This has left gaps in understanding, by focussing on career and immediate transitions, and omitting the areas of skills development, learning gains and personal goals.

Work to develop the understanding of the employability benefits of study at the Open University (OU), and to include areas not covered by existing surveys, has focussed on the creation of the Employability of Qualifiers Survey. This survey gathers data on both careers and personal goals, employability skills, reflections on studying at the OU, as well as feedback on careers service provision //Paper ID 90