January 2022
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This conference was an opportunity to discuss the rollout of the newly approved Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) from September 2022, including their potential impact on skills needs and post-pandemic economic recovery.
It was a timely opportunity to consider funding for higher technical education - including the Government’s Higher Technical Education Provider Growth Fund and priorities for Institutes of Technology (IOTs) - as well as the role of HTQs in the wider skills system and what is needed to develop a more joined-up system moving forward.
We were pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Cheryl Mendes, Head of Higher Technical Education, Department for Education; Cerian Ayres, National Head of Technical Education, Education and Training Foundation; Simon Field, Director, Skills Policy; and Jonathan Ledger, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Specialist, Department for International Trade.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- delivery of Higher Technical Qualifications - progress and next steps
- implementation priorities - support for providers, readiness and putting in place adequate capacity, harnessing the Growth Fund, and improving awareness and take-up
- learning from international best practice and developing a coherent system for England
- HTQs in the wider skills system - progression from the new T Level qualifications and other post-16 qualifications, pathways to HE, and achieving a joined-up skills framework
- aligning HTQs with the needs of key sectors - including upskilling the workforce
- the role of HTQs post-pandemic - addressing regional and national skills shortages, meeting the needs of employers, and supporting economic recovery and social mobility
- priorities for the approval scheme and the future outlook for HTQs
The discussion brought together stakeholders with key policy officials who attended from BEIS; the DfE; DIT; the Department for the Economy, NI; the DWP; the NAO and the Welsh Government.
