Higher Technical Qualifications: How to Liberate Employers & Skill Workers For the Future
Posted 5 December 2023 by Graham Hasting-Evans
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), employer-led technical qualifications at level 4 and level 5, have been identified by several experts as among the most efficient way of increasing the supply of key skills required in a changing economy.
With the UK lagging behind other countries in effectively utilising HTQs, Policy Connect’s Skills Commission has conducted a series of sector-specific roundtables to understand how HTQs have fared so far in various sectors of the economy and what can be done at the policy level to improve their relevance and uptake.
The evidence gathered during these hearings highlights three primary reasons for the low uptake and utilisation of HTQs.
- Learner-led demand is held back by a lack of awareness, financial disincentives, lack of flexibility and uncertainty about employment prospects.
- Employer-led demand is held back by a lack of awareness and financial disincentives.
- Providers face barriers to offering course places.
The Skills Commission arrives at five key policy recommendations to address existing gaps.
This report was delivered in collaboration with The Centre for Education & Youth, and kindly co-chaired by Sir John Hayes MP, Baroness Sue Garden of Frognal, and Graham Hasting-Evans, CEO of NOCN Group. With thanks to our sponsors, NOCN Group, Jisc, and Kent Further Education.