TRAINING MADE ACCESSIBLE: OPENCLASSROOMS TRAINS UNEMPLOYED FOR DIGITAL JOBS

OpenClassrooms is the largest vocational edtech platform in Europe (2 mln members), with a mission to make education accessible. It provides job-oriented courses in English, French, and Spanish, with focus on digital skills, and accompanies its learners towards getting a job. It operates on freemium basis (free contents, paid services, including online mentoring).

In 2015, OpenClassrooms began giving free access to its premium services to all registered unemployed people in France. This project is part of our social engagement and is entirely funded by the company.

In my presentation, I will speak about the history of the project (how and why it started), the implementation phase (namely, partnership with the national employment agency), and the lessons learned. 80% of learners have reported positive impact on their lives. In November 2016, the first graduation ceremony took place, with the degrees to former jobseekers being awarded by the French President.

I will share data, learning analytics, and user testimonials from the project, which is unique in Europe. OpenClassrooms is currently working to extend this offer to other countries (Belgium, Morocco) and other marginalised populations (e.g. refugees).