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Click Start with The Open University

Interested in free courses in Cyber Security, AI and Python? Click Start with The Open University offers flexible, part-time courses tailored for busy 18-30 year olds.

Digital jobs pay on average £8k more per year!
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This course is brought to you by:

Free to eligible students
Short Course
Provider:
The Open University
Course length:
3+ hours
Delivery method:
Online
Price:
Free to eligible students
Start date: Start at any time
Subjects: Career/Professional Skills, Coding, Cyber Security, Digital Skills, Python
Age range: 18-30

Click Start with The Open University is a free, flexible online programme for 18-30 year olds who want to develop new skills without impacting their busy lives. Combining The Open University’s expertise with industry knowledge from leading employers, the programme provides skills, confidence, and support. It’s all about setting you up for success in your career, whether you’re looking to move into the digital sector or you’re aiming to progress in your current role.

Carve your own path with a range of self-paced courses, community forums, tailored career guidance, and interactive webinars. You’re in the driver’s seat — select courses that match your goals, study at your own pace, and get the skills that suit your needs.

Ready to begin a digital career, move up in your current role, or prepare for further education? The support, knowledge, and confidence you need are just a click away – apply now!

This course is part of Click Start, a nationwide training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC), a national collaboration of universities, employers and charities and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company and guardians of the .UK namespace.

The programme, which launched in 2023, helps to tackle the UK’s digital skills gap by offering skills and training to more than 26,500 learners across the country who may not have previously had opportunities.

Click Start is designed to support under-represented groups. The aim is to give you the digital skills you need to open-up new opportunities and get better pay. Or simply do what you want to do in life.

For a FREE place, check if ALL of the following criteria apply to you:

  • You are aged 18-30.
  • You can commit to completing at least one course (minimum 3 hours).
  • You can commit to participating in short surveys – we will ask for your feedback occasionally.
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What will I learn

The programme offers foundational courses like Cyber Foundations and Getting Started with Generative AI to give you the skills you need to succeed in today’s digital world. These courses help you earn digital badges and build core knowledge.

From there, you can deepen your skills with:

  • Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cyber Security courses, offering a strong base in entry-level Cyber Security.
  • PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer course, which covers the essentials of programming in Python—a versatile, beginner-friendly language. You’ll also apply your skills in practical labs (coming soon).

To support your professional journey, we also offer Career Skills courses with content designed to help you succeed in an evolving job market.

Visit this course

FAQS

All you need is an open mind. You don’t need experience. You don’t need to have been to university. All you need to have is curiosity, competent digital literacy skills and a willingness to learn new things. Maybe you want a new direction? Maybe you want to upskill? Maybe you want a raise or promotion in your current role? Click Start gives you the head start you need.

To participate in the programme, you’ll need a stable internet connection. Most of the courses are mobile-friendly. However, for the labs in CCST and PCEP courses, you’ll need a desktop or laptop computer, ideally running Windows, Mac or Linux (Ubuntu is suggested for Linux users). Note that some simulations won’t work on Chromebooks.

The courses also require basic academic skills. You’ll need English proficiency at a Level 2 Functional Skills in English (England), Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication (Wales/Northern Ireland) or National 5 English (Scotland). Whilst maths concepts are explained as needed, proficiency at the equivalent of GCSE Grade 4/C or National 5 C or higher will be beneficial for the Python PCEP course and labs.

It’s completely free. And no, there’s no catch. This programme has been developed in partnership with the Institute of Coding (IoC) and has been funded by Nominet to help reduce the UK’s digital skills gap.

You can get started at any time. To begin, simply complete and submit the online application form. Once approved, you’ll receive details on how to create a login to access the courses on the course platform.

We recommend starting as soon as possible to ensure you can complete all the courses you’re interested in.

This course is run by The Open University. The Click Start programme is developed by the Institute of Coding and is funded by Nominet.

Free to eligible students
Short Course
Provider:
The Open University
Course length:
3+ hours
Delivery method:
Online
Price:
Free to eligible students
Start date: Start at any time
Subjects: Career/Professional Skills, Coding, Cyber Security, Digital Skills, Python
Age range: 18-30