– What is The Open College?

The Open College opened its doors in 2004 and has become widely recognised as Ireland’s leading provider of online QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland) award courses.

Over the last decade The Open College has been an independent college delivering over 90 QQI Level 5 and 6 accredited courses which lead to awards within the National Framework of Qualifications across the island of Ireland. We offer invaluable flexible learning formats such as distance/eLearning and blended learning programmes to suit the needs of busy lifestyles of prospective and current students. Our aim is to continually strive for innovation and excellence in education and continue to deliver high standards in further education in Ireland and across Europe.

– Why do you decide to collaborate with Skillsmatch Project?

As The Open College provides courses which are industry focused, we understand the importance of soft skills and the importance employers place on them.  Knowing that Skillsmatch would bring people together of a similar thought process, we saw this as a great opportunity to work with likeminded innovative European organisations, share knowledge and help co-create an innovative programme which helps further develop the field of soft skill study.

– What is the main work you did with the Project?

A lot of work went into creating customised and bespoke soft skills courses that link directly to the SkillsMatch skills list. Our academic staff were eager to participate and draw on their wealth of knowledge to create tailor made courses to suit the prototype criteria of the Skillsmatch project.

We stayed true to our belief that education is moving in the direction of eLearning and thus have made sure that all the soft skills courses can and will be provided through Online education platform.

– What do you bring to the project?