Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Paragraph: 44
Set out plans to incentivise T Level student progression onto Higher Technical Qualifications
Conclusion
The Department must set out how it will incentivise progression from T Levels onto Higher Technical Qualifications, particularly given the key strategic role qualifications at level 4 and 5 play in meeting the nation’s skills needs.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of Level 4 and 5 qualifications and is incentivising progression through the introduction and promotion of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) via cross-government campaigns, working with external partners for career guidance, and ensuring clear progression routes on occupational maps. They will continue to scope further activities.
Paragraph Reference:
44
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees that Level 4 and 5 qualifications are a key priority in meeting skills needs. We are delivering reforms to improve the profile, quality and perceived prestige of higher technical education (i.e. classroom-based technical education at Levels 4 and 5). This aims to ensure that higher technical education is seen as a high-quality option for young people and adults that provides the skills employers need. Central to these reforms is the introduction of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). HTQs are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education as providing the skills employers need and branded with a quality mark to make this clear to learners and employers. The first qualifications (Digital HTQs) started in September 2022. HTQs in Construction and Health and Science will be available from September 2023. Our reforms to higher technical education have been backed by substantial investment, including up to c.£117m to date of announced funding to help support the growth of provision across the country, on top of up to £300m to create a network of 21 Institutes of Technology. HTQs are an excellent progression option for young people who have completed Level 3 qualifications and are a particularly suitable progression option for T Level graduates who can continue to develop knowledge and skills in the same technical route. For example, a student with a T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development could progress to a related HTQ such as a Foundation Degree in Software Development. HTQs are being promoted (alongside T Levels) as part of the cross-Government communications and engagement campaigns for young people, which will help raise awareness of the various skills offers, help them decide which one is right for them (or their workforce) and drive take up. Further to our joint comms campaign, we are showcasing HTQs as a suitable progression option from T Levels through working with external partners to ensure career guidance and advice is linked, spotlighting HTQs during T Levels week, ensuring that progression routes are clear and concise on occupational maps. The Department will continue to scope activities that highlight progression from T Levels to HTQs.