Following a national survey which revealed that over two-thirds of men (70 percent) have not completed any form of education since the age of 30, Open Study College, is encouraging more men to invest in their education, as part of its nationwide campaign launched on International Men’s Day (19^th November).

The survey which polled 2,000 UK males explored the reasons behind men not wanting to invest further in their education and found that a quarter (24 percent) admitted to having no drive or motivation to study, while almost half (43 percent) said they didn’t think additional qualifications were necessary to progress in their careers.

It also highlighted the need to do more to help with men’s mental health:

• Over two thirds (69 percent) of 18-30-year-olds polled said they have struggled with their mental health in the last two years.

• 42 percent said they had taken up studying as a way of improving their mental health.

In addition to commissioning the research, the distance learning provider has also collaborated with Birmingham Brewing Company to mark the campaign. It has created ‘The Study Buddy’, a limited-edition, citrus flavoured, low-alcohol (0.5%) pale ale which every learner enrolling in November will receive.

Samantha Rutter, CEO of Open Study College, said:

“Following our findings from this new research as well as the fact that only 20% of our own learners are male we wanted to find a creative way to remind people, whatever your gender, that in today’s competitive workplace it’s more important than ever to give yourself every opportunity to improve your employability and career prospects.

“We’re so excited to partner up with Birmingham Brewing Co. for this campaign not only as a fellow Birmingham business but also because we feel a real synergy with its brand that takes pride in creating beers for all Brummies to enjoy. At Open Study College our ethos has always been to make education accessible to everyone, which is why we pride ourselves on our flexible learning solution, removing the pressure of set deadlines and the need to physically attend a school or college. We hope this campaign will encourage more men to take a leap into further education.”

Open Study College is also partnering with men’s health charity Movember, to give away a distance learning course worth £750 via an exclusive social media competition on International Men’s Day.

To find out more about Open Study College and explore over 700 distance learning courses, visit www.openstudycollege.com