A new Heriot-Watt education initiative is designed to open new opportunities for non-traditional students to access higher education.

The new project, called Heriot-Watt Online, which is set to be fully announced at a Future Skills Conference at the Expo 2020 Dubai, will offer courses that address the “key issues and skill gaps” identified by businesses and industry bodies.

Heriot-Watt Online, which includes masters courses in subjects such as digital transformation, data analytics and supply chain management and logistics, will also feature undergraduate degrees and apprenticeships, and work with firms to co-create and co-deliver courses.

The Scottish university said that the initiative will enable it to support firms with a range of “impactful workforce development needs”.

New future courses will also emphasise the importance that global companies are placing on the move towards net-zero, including masters in sustainability and energy transition.

Commenting on the news, Dr Gillian Murray, deputy principal of business and enterprise at Heriot-Watt University, said: “Our mission is to power the economy and transform lives by providing world-class relevant and flexible learning.

“The devastating impact of the pandemic has accelerated acceptance and understanding about the benefits of digital learning but also highlighted the urgent need for businesses to build a suitable talent pipeline who are trained for the future jobs market.

“The demographic of learners is changing and is unlikely to go back to the pre-pandemic landscape. Our largest student group by age is now late 30s and early 40s with a higher percentage of women as barriers are broken down to accessing higher education.”

Recent statistics have revealed that the global workforce is predicted to grow by 230m people by the end of this decade, and the job market is expected to rapidly change with around 2bn predicted job changes due to new tech, decarbonisation, and growth industries.

Additionally, stats revealed that an $8.5bn (£6.4bn) talent shortage is predicted during the same period.

The adult education market is predicted to grow dramatically as the pace of new knowledge and the demands of the global workforce continue to accelerate.

Recommended

• Contributed | How tech and connectivity can cut carbon emissions
• Worst industries for cybersecurity breaches revealed in new research
• National Robotarium partners with Scots respite centre to trial WellTech

Dr Murray continued: “Workplace skills are also changing rapidly, so both employers and employees must keep pace. Heriot-Watt University has spent the past two years undertaking a detailed analysis of the current marketplace and researching the needs of business, identifying where the gaps are. We conducted research with students, industry bodies, partners within corporate businesses and academics to design this new learning approach.

“Many people simply can’t take time out to study due to financial or personal circumstances. It’s essential that universities facilitate this shift in approach to education, continuing to cater for students who are leaving school but ensuring that adult learners can receive a world-class education at any age, anywhere in the world. We are breaking down the borders and barriers many people face when trying to reach their career goals by offering a flexible approach.

“Non-traditional students will soon outstrip traditional campus-based students so initiatives like Heriot-Watt Online will allow learners to continue in full-time employment, gain credit for their work-based projects and accelerate the skills that are relevant to their role, informed by the needs of their employers.”

Dr Murray added: “Industry bodies are calling out for these types of courses but what makes our offering unique is that we’re also leading many areas of innovative research that will inform the future job market. Developing the right types of courses to help build in-demand skills is crucial.”

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

We will keep you up to date on the pivotal issues impacting the sector and let you know about key upcoming events to ensure that you don’t miss out on what’s going on across the Scottish tech community.

Click here to subscribe.