Background
Improving Higher Technical Education in England
We support the development of higher technical skills through the Higher Education system in England, with a focus on increasing participation in Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and supporting the Institutes of Technology network.
Higher Technical Education (HTE) plays a vital role in building a skilled, adaptable workforce. Made up of courses and apprenticeships at Levels 4 and 5, HTE is offered by Higher Education providers – including further education colleges, universities and training providers – across the country. In sectors like engineering, construction and health, these qualifications enable learners to access well-paid, in-demand jobs.
When compared to other OECD countries and beyond, HTE in England has yet to achieve its potential. This is why Gatsby advocates for more prominent and better supported technical options at higher levels. We commission research, publish evidence and collaborate with stakeholders to raise the profile and expand access to Higher Technical Education.
Gatsby is also active in the university sector where we fund and support excellence in neuroscience and plant science. Visit the Neuroscience and Plant Science sections to learn more about our work in these areas.
Higher Technical Qualifications
Gatsby promotes the adoption of higher-level technical skills, to resolve skills shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, digital, healthcare, and green technologies.
Institutes of Technology
We champion Institutes of Technology (IoTs) with a strategic focus on higher technical education and careers in STEM-based occupations across their regions.
International technical education systems
Gatsby seeks to understand what world-class technical education systems look like, generating insights which support strategic policy decisions on system design and delivery.
Featured reports
The Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) Approval Process in England: A Review
A new report by Professor Elizabeth Cleaver explores the experiences of providers navigating the HTQ approvals process and offers insights for Skills England to advance the UK’s ambitions for a stronger, more inclusive technical education landscape.
Author(s)
Professor Elizabeth Cleaver
Where Next? Who Applies to Level 4 and 5 Qualifications
A report exploring the motivation and experiences of people who apply to Level 4 and 5 courses (SCQF Level 7 and 8 in Scotland) through UCAS.
Author(s)
UCAS
Local Areas Programme: Summary report
Report from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership looking at best practice and lessons learnt in implementing coherent technical education strategies including T-levels in 5 local areas: Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Liverpool, Sheffield and West Midlands.
Author(s)
Kim Smith
Research into the funding for and costs of higher technical education
acl Consulting research on the funding of and costs associated with higher technical education (HTE) in higher education institutions [HEIs] and general further education colleges in England.
Author(s)
acl Consulting
Beyond the Missing Middle: Developing Higher Technical Education
This report by Simon Field follows his earlier report 'The Missing Middle: Higher Technical Education in England', and looks internationally for answers to how England can develop and improve its higher technical system.
Author(s)
Simon Field
External links
Centres of excellence delivering higher technical education
As part of Gatsby’s commitment to support the visibility, credibility, and accessibility of Higher Technical Education in England, we maintain the Institutes of Technology website to showcase the offerings of these flagship providers to learners and employers.
Supporting providers to promote HTQs to learners, employers and parents
To help increase awareness of Higher Technical Qualification, we funded the creation of an online resource to provide education professionals with access to HTQ promotional materials developed by the Department for Education.
Ensuring visibility and recognition for technicians working in higher education and research
The Technician Commitment is a university and research institution initiative, led by a steering board of sector bodies, hosted by the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy.