Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ)

Why FE should lead on High Technical Qualifications

The Government’s long-awaited response to the Augar review is finally here and includes a consultation on the introduction of a lifelong loan entitlement for all courses Level 4-6.

This is particularly relevant to Higher Technical Education (HTE) courses (Many of which are soon to be re-branded under the Government-backed banner of HTQs), as many leaners at this level do not yet benefit from any kind of loan entitlement to ease the financial burden of study.

Read more here.

What subjects are available?

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are currently being offered in various digital technology fields. However, by the year 2025, these qualifications will be expanded to cover a much broader range of industries and sectors.

Starting in September 2023, students will have the opportunity to pursue HTQs in the areas of construction, design, build, health, and science.

From September 2024 onwards, HTQs will become available in additional sectors such as business and administration, education and early years, engineering and manufacturing, as well as legal, finance, and accounting.

Furthermore, in September 2025, HTQs will be introduced in sectors like agriculture, environmental and animal care, catering and hospitality, creative and design, care services, protective services, and sales, marketing, and procurement.

It is important to note that currently, there are two occupational routes that do not have level 4 and 5 occupational standards in place for HTQ approvals. These are the hair and beauty sector, as well as the transport and logistics sector. However, this situation is under review, and the aim is to launch HTQs in these sectors once relevant standards become available.

Overall, the expansion of HTQs across various industries and sectors is a significant development, providing individuals with more opportunities to acquire specialized technical knowledge and skills in their chosen fields.

Funding

The UK government is investing up to £117 million to support providers in growing high-quality level 4 and 5 provision and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). This includes:

• Up to £10 million to fund the Open University to assist further education providers in expanding level 4 and 5 courses in underserved areas, to meet local employer demand.
• £14 million for over 90 providers through the higher technical education provider growth fund in the financial year 2021 to 2022, to support learners who start studying HTQs between September 2022 and January 2024.
• Up to £21 million through the higher technical education skills injection fund in the financial year 2023 to 2024, to support around 85 providers in growing provision with a focus on leveling up areas.
• Up to £48 million through the higher technical education skills injection fund, to support providers across all 15 occupational routes and to also grow provision with a focus on leveling up areas.
• £8 million through the strategic priorities grant for level 4 and 5 courses in the financial year 2022 to 2023, and a further £16 million of investment announced for the financial year 2023 to 2024.

Additionally, the UK government provided the Office for Students with £450 million of capital funding for the financial years 2022 to 2025. £400 million of this was made available through a bidding exercise to target funds at the government’s strategic priorities, including HTQs.