Benefits for your business
You can offer a HTQ to your existing employees or hire skilled individuals that already have HTQs.
This can:
- support your employees to retrain, improve their existing skills and learn new skills
- create an environment that promotes learning and development
- make your business more competitive and address skills shortages
What are Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)?
This video is 2:35 minutes long
Video Transcript
Abdallah Ahmed:
I think if you want to get into a job quickly, if you want to learn a specific subject that you're passionate about, then definitely get into HTQs.
Voiceover:
Higher Technical Qualifications or HTQs are specialist courses for people who want to develop the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for and provide a fast track to highly skilled, well-paid jobs. HTQs sit between A levels and undergraduate degrees, and are already available in a range of in-demand sectors, with even more subjects available from 2025.
Elizabeth Briars:
The HTQ was put together by employers to offer a more skilled workforce.
Katie-Jo Gracie:
As an employer, it's really exciting for us that there's a shift towards more practical and skills-based learning. It means that we've got students who haven't just got theoretical knowledge, but actual hands-on practical skills that are useful in the workplace.
Christian Nunez-Fuentes:
What employers are looking for now is people who know how to do this stuff. Yeah, they're looking for the certification, but at the same time, what they prefer to see is that they know how to do it.
Abdallah Ahmed:
They walk us through a variety of different things that you'll encounter in a workplace and also, giving you the theory side of it, so it's not just practical, it's both.
Steve Croft:
They're not just coming away with qualification, but they know the content and they can go and apply it in the real world.
Paula Hobday:
They're more likely to get employment in their chosen sector because we are delivering the skills and the knowledge that employers need.
Teddy Kye-Nyarko:
It's very easy for students to combine work and study at the same time.
Steve Croft:
So you can study HTQs on a full-time or part-time basis.
Abdallah Ahmed:
HTQs are much more cost-effective. It was only a two-year course rather than going for a three-year course, and I felt like I could get more opportunities from there.
Paula Hobday:
HTQ students can access student loans to pay for the course fees and also, a maintenance loan.
Katy Rainey:
The theory and the practical skills are a big benefit for me, so that when I do now apply for that position, I know I've got the skills and the knowledge. I'm more likely to be that successful candidate.
Voiceover:
HTQs are now available at a wide range of universities, colleges, and Institutes of Technology across England. Speak to your preferred provider or visit the UCAS website to find out more. Look out for the HTQ logo or banner on approved qualifications.
Katy Rainey:
So I think if you are looking at going back into learning, it's a really good way of being able to integrate yourself back into the workplace with education and knowledge so that you can excel in whatever you choose to do.
Voiceover:
Specialist skills are in demand. With an HTQ, you could be too. Search Higher Technical Qualifications today. Your journey starts now.
Cost
The cost of a HTQ is dependent on the course and provider.
HTQs are eligible for the same student finance offer as a degree. Full or part-time students on a HTQ course that lasts a year or longer can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans.
You can choose to pay for HTQs for your current employees.
Your responsibilities
Most HTQs do not require a work placement except when this is mandated by the professional and statutory regulatory requirements. However, many HTQs involve an employer-based project.
Employer stories
Find out how other businesses are using HTQs:
This video is 49 seconds long
Video Transcript
Sarah Hague
Students leaving with a HTQ will be a really attractive proposition for employers.
Through occupational standards they’ll have developed the skills and the knowledge that employers have asked for.
For BlackDice, HTQs mean that we’ll be able to tap into work ready talent that we might not otherwise have had access to.
Dr Sarah Marquez
Companies such as BlackDice are essential when developing Higher Technical Qualifications, as they ensure that we include the content that is most up to date and relevant for the sector.
Sarah Hague
HTQs also offer employers a new way to upskill their current workforce with the digital skills that we need for the future.
They offer an alternative pathway into skilled employment or higher education.
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) are using HTQs to upskill their workforce
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) are using HTQs to upskill their workforce.
Health and Science HTQs are helping the NHS fill vacancies. Open to learners over 18, the qualifications have been developed in partnership with employers to ensure HTQ graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge that the NHS needs and are ready to work in NHS roles such as health play specialist or nursing associate.
GOSH and RMCH worked with UC Leeds to develop a qualification that is agile and relevant to changing standards.
"Courses like the Health Play Specialist HTQ are helping to meet the demands of the NHS, upskilling people with relevant, real-world experience."
Sallyanne Pitt, Head of Play Service, GOSH
"The HTQ makes our workforce more dynamic. I would feel confident employing an HTQ graduate. They have a level of competency to lead on a project or scheme."
Susan Fairclough, Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service Manager, RMCH
Find out more
Contact a local university, college or training provider directly or use UCAS to search and find out about HTQ courses in your area.
See the full list of the available and upcoming subjects for HTQs.
Explore schemes
- Apprenticeships
- T Levels: industry placements
- Skills Bootcamps
- Multiply
- Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
- Free courses and additional free training
- Care Leaver Covenant
- Supported internships for learners with an education, health and care plan
- Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
- Employing prisoners and prison leavers