The Journey of those Million
It is true that technical qualifications have been developed primarily to lead to skilled employment, however these knowledge and skills can just as easily underpin progression to higher level related study. T Levels, which blend advanced study with authentic and sustained workplace experience, can provide learners with considerable flexibility, making them work-ready, whilst simultaneously providing them a viable route into HE if this is their preferred option.
The introduction of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) also provides learners a viable, government recognised, route into higher level occupations (at levels 4/5). 'Intermediate skills' are well-understood as critical to raising productivity and achieving the aspiration of a high-skill, high-value economy. Training at this level is however traditionally dogged by low supply and demand in the UK. At a time of significant labour market change caused by factors such as Brexit, Covid-19, and the move towards Industry 4.0, it is essential that individuals have access to high-quality training at these intermediate levels; preparing them to succeed in a rapidly changing jobs market. HTQs provide just this opportunity, delivering high-quality employer-specified training to learners of all ages, equipping them to progress in their chosen career, or transition into a new skilled occupation. The completion of an HTQ can also provide an effective bridge for learners looking to progress into undergraduate study, with many delivered in HE Institutions, giving learners access to the full ‘student experience’ and further blurring the distinction between academic and technical.
In addition to HTQs, degree apprenticeships have become an attractive option for both individuals and organisations. They offer the blend of part-time university study alongside experience in the workplace, without the tuition fees; with employers able to finance study through the apprenticeship levy. The existence of degree apprenticeships has further increased the cohort of ‘technical’ learners in the HE space, as well as increasing the opportunity for participation from individuals for whom the requirement to take out loan debt may have been a significant cultural or financial barrier. In contrast to their counterparts undertaking a traditional undergraduate degree, degree apprentices benefit from developing a blend of theoretical knowledge, alongside extensive in-work practice This defining characteristic serves to reinforce and solidify a graduate’s competence, equipping them with the ‘know how’ and experience to immediately succeed in full-time employment. This emphasis on practice is evidently valued by employers as salary information tells us.
For example, one university reported that one year after graduation, Digital Route apprentice earnings were on average 46% more than the average UK computing graduate - and 5% more than average graduates from the top-five computing courses in the UK.