Higher Technical Qualifications
(asked on 20th February 2024) - View Source
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of (a) public and (b) employer awareness of higher technical (i) education and (ii) qualifications.
The department has published the following data on awareness of Level 4 and 5 qualifications and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs):
- Awareness of Level 4 and 5 qualifications, and HTQs in the Parent, Pupil and Learner Panel: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/639219408fa8f53baa1f3f5f/PPLP_report_rw4_june.pdf.
- Awareness of HTQs amongst employers as part of the Employer Skills Survey 2022: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65855506fc07f3000d8d46bd/Employer_skills_survey_2022_research_report.pdf.
Introducing HTQs is central to the department’s drive to increase the profile, prestige, and uptake of higher technical education. HTQs were first available for teaching from September 2022 and are now offered by over 140 providers across the country in construction and build, digital, and health and science occupations. In the 2023/24 academic year, over 140 qualifications were available. More HTQs will be available to study from September 2024.
The department is promoting HTQs as part of the Skills for Life cross-government communications and engagement campaign for young people, adults and employers. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the various skills offers, help them to decide which one is right for them (or their workforce) and increase take-up.
The department is working with stakeholders, including the National Careers Service, Careers & Enterprise Company and UCAS, to improve the support that is available to young people and adults. The department is also working with employers and professional bodies to improve their recognition of HTQs.
Finally, the department is supporting providers to increase their HTQ provision and to promote it effectively and widely. The department has announced investment of around £115 million in funding to providers to support higher technical education provision.