Newcastle College University Centre named as early provider of HTQs

Newcastle College University Centre has been named as one of the first providers of a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfaTE).

The University Centre’s Foundation Degree in Networking and Cyber Security is one of the first qualifications in England to receive the prestigious HTQ quality mark, offering learners reassurance that it offers quality and the skills that employers demand.

HTQs are existing Level 4 and 5 qualifications that have been awarded a quality mark to confirm they meet the needs of employers and learners and form part of the government’s focus on skills for jobs and higher technical education.

Jon Ridley, deputy principal and executive director of HE at NCG commented: “We are thrilled that one of our innovative and exciting digital qualifications is one of the first to receive the HTQ quality mark.

“There is a growing demand for skills at Levels 4 and 5 from employers, particularly within the digital sector as the North East works to close its ‘digital skills gap’ by 2024 and we work hard to ensure that our qualifications are developed to meet that demand.

“All of our qualifications are developed in partnership with a Digital Advisory Board, made up of leading digital organisations across the North East, to ensure they meet the current and future needs of digital employers, and to provide our students with the technical knowledge and skills that will help them to succeed in their future career.

“Being named as one of the first providers of an approved Higher Technical Qualification gives digital learners at Newcastle College University Centre the confidence that they will receive high quality higher technical education and skills that will help them graduate into successful careers here in the North East.”

Newcastle College University Centre’s Cyber Security and Networking degree is the only one offered north of the Tyne and offers learners the opportunity to gain skills in building secure networks, assessing network vulnerabilities and carrying out open source investigating.

It is one of just 31 qualifications in England to be awarded the HTQ quality mark and underwent a rigorous review as part of the approval process, including evaluations from Institute officials, independent peer reviewers, employer-led route panels and the Approvals and Funding Committee, as well as a public consultation.

Applications to study the degree are open for September 2021, with the first cohort of learners beginning their HTQ from September 2022.