Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are approved against occupational standards that are developed by employers with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
What are HTQs?
- Level 4 and level 5 qualifications – Foundation Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas.
- Suitable to upskill the workforce and train young people starting their careers.
- Available in a range of subject areas including digital and IT, engineering and manufacturing, business and administration, legal, finance and account, health and science, and construction, design and build.
- From September 2025, HTQs will also be available in sales, marketing and procurement, creative and design, catering and hospitality, protective services, care services.
HTQs for ports
HTQs could be used in ports to train in skills areas including engineering, construction, design and build, digital and IT, business and administration, legal, finance and accounting. Examples include:
- Higher National Certificate for Mechatronics for England (level 4), Higher National Diploma for Mechanical Engineering for England (level 5).
- Construction Site Supervisor Foundation Degree (level 5)
- Higher National Certificate in Quantity Surveying (level 4)
- Higher National Certificate Data Analyst (level 4)
- Foundation Degree Cyber Security (level 5)
- Foundation Degree in Business and Management (level 5)
- Higher National Diploma in Leadership and Management for England (level 5)
- Foundation Degree in Payroll Management (level 5)
Typical duration
HTQs last 1-2 years full-time.
Part-time and distance learning options are available and are better suited for upskilling the workforce.
Funding
HTQ costs vary as they are dependent on the course and provider. Employers may choose to pay the course fees for employee upskilling.
Student finance is available, the same as for a degree. Those on a HTQ course of one year or longer can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans.
