Sam Archibald

A photo of Sam Archibald, who did an OU microcredentialAfter taking on a new managerial role with telecoms giant Openreach as a Patch Manager in Complex Engineering, the opportunity to study with the Open University (OU) in Scotland for a microcredential in Business management: people management and leadership came at an opportune time for Sam Archibald, aged 31.

Living and working remotely in Orkney, he found out about the online course through the Communication Workers Union.

Learning at own pace

Although challenging starting the course at the same time as being promoted, Sam says: “As all course content is online, I could learn at my own pace, and adjust my schedule to suit other commitments.”

He says that he thoroughly enjoyed learning in this flexible way, commenting: “I had the ability to challenge myself and learn new skills in conjunction with full-time employment and family life.

“The conversations between students and lecturers online encouraged healthy debate and facilitated the sharing of ideas and experiences. 

“The course covered an array of topics, which benefited me immeasurably as I transitioned from engineering to management.”

Confidence to 'debate and challenge'

Sam was able to quickly start using his learning with the OU, as he explains: “Shortly after being promoted into my current position, I was invited to attend a meeting with fellow leaders from within the business – a daunting proposition! 

Through this microcredential I learned management skills and theories which I use daily." 

Sam Archibald, Openreach Patch Manager in Complex Engineering

“However, I found myself engaging in meaningful conversations with colleagues, discussing topics which we had covered during this microcredential.

“This course has provided me with skills, theories and, most importantly, the confidence to debate and challenge peers who were vastly more experienced than myself. 

“I continue to reflect upon the course content regularly, as I develop and establish myself as the leader I endeavour to be.”  

Following the completion of his microcredential, he shares: “Over the past 18 months I have led a team of engineers, across a challenging geographical area, to deliver a complex workstream unlike any other within our business.

“I feel that I owe some of this success to the OU. Through this microcredential I learned management skills and theories which I use daily. 

“It provided me with the confidence to meet daunting challenges head on, as I worked to shape a team set up for long-term success. 

Sam has brought several new skills to the workplace, which have significantly benefited the organisation." 

Michael Shemilt, Openreach Learning Manager

“This transformation of the team has been hugely beneficial to the business, and to the customers we serve.”

Michael Shemilt, Learning Manager at Openreach, adds: “Sam has brought several new skills to the workplace, which have significantly benefited the organisation. 

“The completion of this OU course has facilitated the development of critical people skills, such as active listening and coaching, which are invaluable in today's collaborative work environments.”

Commenting on this mode of study, Michael continues: “The flexibility of OU courses means he can balance his studies with his work commitments at Openreach. 

“This can lead to better job satisfaction and a better work-life balance. By studying relevant courses, Sam can acquire specific skills that are directly applicable to his role, making him more effective and valuable to the team.

“Overall, the flexibility and support provided by the OU, combined with Openreach’s commitment to employee development, can significantly benefit Sam’s professional growth and job performance.”

Scotland's workforce development

Courses can be completed remotely and in conjunction with full-time employment." 

Sam Archibald

For anyone considering upskilling opportunities at work, Sam comments: “I believe that the OU is of vital importance in helping to develop the workforce of Scotland. 

“Courses can be completed remotely and in conjunction with full-time employment.

“This learning model allows individuals to reskill or to progress their career, without the disruption and the potential debt associated with full-time, in-person learning.”

Sam is now considering studying further with the OU in Scotland for a Diploma or Undergraduate Degree in Business and Management.