The Open University and Santander back new SkillUp MK skills partnership

Milton Keynes College Group, The Open University, Santander UK, and Milton Keynes City Council have launched a joint skills platform offering digital, leadership, and sustainability courses to residents.

Four organizations have launched SkillUp MK, a new website giving Milton Keynes residents in the UK access to online and in-person training. The initiative is designed to boost employability in areas such as sustainability, digital, and leadership.

The partners include Milton Keynes College Group, a further education provider; The Open University, the UK’s largest distance-learning institution; Santander UK, a retail and commercial bank; and Milton Keynes City Council, the local authority.

Caroline Indge, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at Milton Keynes College Group, says: “This alliance is all about helping to tackle the skills gaps across the city, and we’re very proud to be working with our illustrious partners to achieve that. We’ve gone to great lengths to match the training on offer with the knowledge that most employers say they’re in need of, so taking these courses could significantly impact people’s chances of finding work. In such a fast-changing world, lifelong learning is becoming ever more important for all of us to keep up.”

Courses and bursaries on offer

The website lists short online and face-to-face courses, with many available at no cost. The partners say the training is designed to address both general workplace needs and more specialized technical areas. Santander will also fund bursaries in collaboration with Milton Keynes College Group to expand access to sustainability and digital training at the city’s Green Skills Centre. Courses include energy storage systems, EV charging, and solar panel installation.

Andrew Wilson, Director of Communications, Marketing and Responsible Banking at Santander UK, says: “At Santander, for almost three decades we have been working to support education, skills and employability – and over that time, have learnt the importance of joining forces with educators and experts like MK College, Open University and MK City Council to share insights and drive real change. Skill Up MK is a fantastic new initiative to provide the people of Milton Keynes with the vital skills that many businesses are lacking or looking for in today’s world of work. Digital, sustainability and leadership skills are essential to the future of the economy and helping businesses to thrive.”

Pilot program with expansion potential

SkillUp MK is described as a pilot scheme for Milton Keynes, with scope to expand more widely if successful. The Open University says its role is to bring online learning expertise to local residents, emphasizing the city’s position as its headquarters.

Phil Kenmore, Director of Employers and Partnerships at The Open University, says: “Like the rest of the UK, skills shortages in Milton Keynes such as leadership and management, digital and sustainability threaten the future of business growth and efficient public services. The Open University has a proven track record of developing the skills needed by employers in a flexible way. SkillUp:MK brings our expertise in delivering online learning to the people of Milton Keynes – free-of-charge – so they can develop in-demand skills. The Open University is proud to call Milton Keynes its home and together with our SkillUp:MK partners, we hope this initiative provides much needed support for both employers and local people.”

Local government and MPs back initiative

The council frames the program as part of its growth strategy, focusing on future jobs for younger residents.

Cllr Shanika Mahendran, Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking at Milton Keynes City Council, says: “By working together, we’re providing real opportunities for our young people to gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future. It reflects our strong commitment to planned, sustainable growth that delivers prosperity and good jobs for local people.”

The project has also been endorsed by local MPs Chris Curtis and Emily Darlington. Darlington says: “If we want to continue to be the city for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses, we need to make sure our young people have the right skillsets. This partnership will help unlock opportunities for the next generation in Milton Keynes and keep us on the cutting edge of innovation – just like we always are.”

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.

Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.

Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.

Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.