To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to increase the uptake of Higher Technical Qualifications.

The department believes that increasing uptake in Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) is key to helping people climb the ladder of opportunity.

HTQs began teaching from September 2022, starting with Digital HTQs. 106 qualifications have now been approved as HTQs across Digital, Construction and Health and Science routes, available for teaching from September this year. All occupational routes are due to be rolled out by 2025 where relevant occupational standards are available.

To support more people studying HTQs:

• We are promoting HTQs as part of the communications and engagement campaigns for young people, adults and employers.
• We have extended student finance access for HTQs for September 2023. This will allow learners studying them part-time to access maintenance loans, as they can with degrees. This will help learners fit study around work and other commitments.
• We have announced investments of around £70 million to date to support the growth of high-quality higher technical education.