ID025 Upskilling the Workforce

The Idea

The UK workforce requires significant upskilling if national productivity is to improve and remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. Many sectors are experiencing skills gaps in areas such as digital capability, data analysis, management, leadership and green technologies, while automation continues to reshape traditional roles. Without targeted retraining, businesses risk reduced efficiency and slower innovation.

At the same time, many employers, particularly larger organisations and multinational companies, have both the financial capacity and strategic incentive to invest in employee development. A more skilled workforce can improve productivity, support innovation, strengthen retention and contribute to long-term organisational success.

Keele University is well positioned to respond to this need by offering flexible short courses designed specifically for working professionals. The strength of the Keele brand, combined with high-quality academic content and recognised certification, would make such programmes attractive to both individual learners and employer sponsors.

A broad portfolio of courses could be developed across areas including:

• Digital skills and data literacy
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Leadership and management
• Project and programme management
• Health and wellbeing
• Sustainability and green technologies
• Innovation and entrepreneurship

Crucially, these courses could be developed in partnership with employers to ensure learning outcomes align with real organisational challenges and workforce needs. Delivery formats could include online, blended and workplace-based learning, making participation accessible for busy professionals.

By collaborating directly with industry, Keele could help businesses address skills shortages, improve productivity and support inclusive economic growth while strengthening its position as a regional hub for lifelong learning.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

This proposal aligns closely with Keele's civic mission to support regional prosperity, workforce development and social mobility while also contributing to the university's financial sustainability.

Demand for lifelong learning continues to grow as employers respond to rapid technological change, evolving labour market requirements and persistent skills shortages. This creates a significant opportunity for universities to provide flexible, employer-focused education.

By expanding professional upskilling provision, Keele could:

• Diversify income streams beyond traditional undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment
• Strengthen relationships with employers and industry partners
• Enhance graduate employability through closer engagement with workforce needs
• Increase the university's visibility and reputation among businesses and professionals
• Support national priorities relating to productivity, skills development and inclusive growth

This initiative would position Keele as an innovative and outward-facing institution that responds directly to economic and societal challenges.

How We Would Implement This Idea

Keele could establish a dedicated Professional Upskilling Unit responsible for coordinating the development and delivery of short courses in collaboration with academic schools and external partners.

The initiative should begin with a comprehensive skills-needs assessment involving employers, chambers of commerce, local authorities and other regional stakeholders. This would help identify priority areas for programme development, such as digital transformation, health innovation, leadership development and sustainability.

Key features of the model could include:

• Flexible online and blended learning formats
• Stackable micro-credentials that can contribute towards larger accredited qualifications
• Employer-designed and employer-informed curricula
• Tailored cohorts for specific organisations or sectors
• Workplace-based learning opportunities
• Clear progression pathways into undergraduate or postgraduate study

Funding models could include employer sponsorship, apprenticeship levy funding, individual learner contributions and partnerships with regional and national skills programmes.

By working closely with employers throughout programme design and delivery, the university could ensure provision remains relevant, responsive and aligned with workforce needs.

What Success Would Look Like

Success would be reflected through measurable benefits for learners, employers, the university and the wider region.

• Participants demonstrate improved skills, career progression and increased earning potential.
• Employers report improvements in productivity, innovation and staff retention.
• Strong enrolment numbers and repeat corporate partnerships demonstrate confidence in Keele's provision.
• Skills gaps in priority regional sectors begin to narrow.
• High completion rates and positive learner satisfaction scores are achieved.
• Professional learners progress into further study through accredited pathways.
• Keele generates sustainable new income streams from lifelong learning and workforce development activity.
• The university strengthens its reputation among employers, professional learners and regional stakeholders.

Ultimately, success would mean Keele becoming a recognised leader in lifelong learning and professional development, connecting university expertise directly to workplace impact, regional prosperity and economic growth.