The following diplomas, as well as carrying recognition by Ofqual and Qualifications Wales as UK-regulated qualifications, are now also recognised in England as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and are fully approved for funding in England, with immediate effect:
As Martin Buck, NCC Education’s Director of Quality, Academics and Development and Deputy General Manager, explains: “At NCC Education, we believe passionately that employer-approved, technical qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 should provide a practical, flexible and affordable route into skilled careers, playing an essential part in supporting post-18 learning, life-long career progression and career change, whilst also addressing UK skills shortages in priority areas”.
Achieving HTQ status is another significant milestone for NCC Education’s Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Business and further highlights the rigorous approach we take in upholding the highest standards in the design, development and assessment delivery of our qualifications, which our partner Centres both in the UK and internationally benefit from.
Employers and Providers Welcome the News!
“We consider this qualification to be relevant as it aligns with the technical and analytical skills in our industry. We would be happy to interview candidates with the above qualifications to become part of our workforce.” – Peter Meyer, Director at Tilden International on the NCC Education Level 4 Diploma in Business HTQ.
“The new NCC Education HTQs will give students a practical and recognised route into higher-level careers. They are designed to equip learners with the skills employers are actively looking for. This is exactly the kind of career-relevant education that can transform opportunities for our students and support them into rewarding employment roles and further study.” – Mark Harrington, Managing Director at Berlitz UK and Ireland, Choices International and International Business College Manchester.
“The NCC Education Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Business clearly offer learners a solid academic and practical foundation. We are confident that graduates of these programmes are suitably prepared for entry-level and early-career opportunities within Progemini”. – Evlyn Murphy, Director at Progemini
What are Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)?
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications that prepare learners for entry into their chosen occupation, or progression into higher education.
They are the equivalent in level to Year 1 (Level 4) and Year 2 (Level 5) of a UK university degree and have been designed to cover National Occupational Standards for technical education in England, and to support learners seeking trusted direct routes into skilled employment.
The following National Occupational Standards are covered by NCC Education’s HTQs:
- Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (Level 4 Diploma in Business)
- Operations Manager (Level 5 Diploma in Business)
As the UK Department for Education explains, HTQs ‘focus on high quality technical skills that are sector specific. HTQs are a quality mark. They have been approved against employer standards. Employers outline the skills they need and help develop the standards for HTQs. This means you can get the skills employers want.’
Who are Higher Technical Qualifications for?
Higher Technical Qualifications are an excellent option for:
- School/college leavers (age 18+) looking for a technical route into skilled employment after completing their Level 3 qualifications (including A levels, T Levels, Advanced Apprenticeships and BTEC Nationals).
- Adult learners wanting to upskill or retrain towards a brand-new career.
- Employees seeking career progression or promotion in technical roles.
They are well suited to those who prefer more hands on or applied learning, who want a faster or lower-cost route into employment or those who are targeting specific occupations.
With NCC Education’s fantastic university articulations and partnership options, these HTQs may also be used to progress towards achieving a full UK university degree.
Available Funding for HTQs
For Learners in England, funding from Student Finance is available for both full time and part time HTQ study and the same tuition fee and maintenance support can be accessed that’s available for degrees and other types of higher education. Further information on student finance can be accessed via Student finance for undergraduates: Overview – GOV.UK
Next Steps
I’m an OfS provider (technical institute, College or University) in England. How can I offer the NCC Education Business and Computing HTQs?
Partnering with NCC Education to offer our Business and Computing Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) couldn’t be easier.
Simply visit https://www.nccedu.com/become-a-centre/ to express your interest. A member of our team will then guide you through each step of the process to become an NCC Education Accredited Partner Centre. Once accredited, you will be able to offer our HTQs.
I am interested in studying one of the NCC Education HTQs in England. How can I find out more?
You can find out more about the HTQ qualification you are interested in on our Qualifications page, and to find your nearest study centre, send us an enquiry here.
