Over 50 years ago, the Open University was established as a ‘university of the air’ – a place where people could work towards a degree having missed out earlier in life. At the heart of the OU’s identity is its social mission to open education and learning up to more and more people across Wales.

It’s because of this mission that we have a great relationship with charities and voluntary organisations in Wales, alongside the bodies that represent them. Through our work with the third sector, we’ve been able to create more routes into education for people who may not have thought it possible, regardless of their age, background or disability.

We know how volunteering can help people reach their potential. Because of this, we’ve supported events like the Welsh Charity Awards, and local volunteer awards.

Get Ahead with volunteering

This is a free nine-week training programme for volunteers created in partnership with Third Sector Support Wales. Partners include the WCVA and seven of the regional Voluntary Councils (CVCs) and helps volunteers improve their professional skills and develop their volunteering careers. It’s hosted online, so you can join wherever you are in Wales.

We’ve had lots of training for volunteers but nothing as good as what the OU has delivered here. Excellent resources, excellent delivery and great use of technology.

John Jones
Chair of Trustees, Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations

If you’d like to take part, get in touch on wales-partnerships@open.ac.uk

OpenLearn Champions Training

We’re helping volunteers in Wales to get the best out of OpenLearn, our free online learning platform.

This training shows you how to pass on your own experience on OpenLearn to other learners.

Contact wales-partnerships@open.ac.uk to find out more about becoming an OpenLearn champion.

Do you support others in reaching their learning or career goals? Take a look at our OpenLearn Champions page and see how we can support you.