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This guidance explains what youll need to do if you want to start offering higher technical qualifications (HTQs).

An overview of HTQs is available.

Develop your HTQ offer

You can currently offer HTQs in a variety of digital occupations. From September 2023, youll also be able to offer HTQs in:

• construction
• health and science

There are different ways you can offer HTQs. This includes:

• developing a level 4 or 5 qualification as an approved HTQ
• partnering with an organisation on the Office for Students register to offer their approved HTQ
• joining a franchise to offer another providers approved HTQ

Email HTQ.approvals@education.gov.uk for more information on the approval process for developing an HTQ.

Choose your qualification

If youre not developing your own qualifications, check the list of approved HTQs. This list includes the awarding body for each approved qualification.

Once youve chosen the qualification youd like to offer, contact the awarding body. They can provide the specification for that qualification. This will:

• explain the skills the qualification will develop
• suggest entry requirements
• list the units for qualification
• explain the assessment requirements

Read how Bolton college has developed their curriculum.

Prepare your staff and facilities

There are different ways you can prepare your staff and facilities to support HTQs. This includes:

• allocating a dedicated space for teaching HTQs
• purchasing or upgrading software and systems
• investing in continuing professional development for staff
• purchasing specialist equipment to enhance classroom learning
• checking for funding opportunities - if youre on the Office for Students register, you may be able to get strategic priority grant funding
• confirming student finance options - if youre:
  • on the Office for Students register or in a partnership with a registered organisation your students may be eligible for HE student finance
  • not on the register, they may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan

Promote your HTQ offer to students

You can advertise your HTQ courses on:

• the national careers service
• UCAS

The Skills for Life communication campaign directs people to these sites.

To advertise your course, include (HTQ) at the end of the qualification title when listing your approved qualification. You can also update existing listings that you already have.

The UCAS website also has an approved HTQ status checkbox you can tick. This will:

• allow people to filter for it
• display the HTQ branding on the course page

Youll also need to advertise your offer through your channels.

Using the quality mark

Remember to use the quality mark to promote approved HTQs. Details of how to use the quality mark are set out in the quality mark guidelines.

Email team.highertechnicaleducation@education.gov.uk to request the logo.

Communications resources

You can also request a variety of HTQ branded resources. You can use these to promote your offer on your website, at events or on social media. This includes:

• a leaflet
• a presentation for learners
• social media examples

Email team.highertechnicaleducation@education.gov.uk to request:

• HTQ communication materials
• examples of how other providers are getting ready to offer HTQs