Salford targets careers of the future with three new Higher Technical Qualifications

Salford is introducing three new courses, all quality marked by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education (IfATE) to indicate their alignment to employer-led occupational standards. 

HTQ courses in Automation and Instrumentation, Business Analytics and Data Science (all Diploma of Higher Education) will be delivered out of the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) on the University of Salford’s Peel Park Campus. 

The GMIoT delivers training and employment opportunities that are co-created with employers and specifically designed for the careers of the future as well as responding to current workforce needs. Whilst courses are already being offered by the GMIoT, construction is currently underway for a state-of-the-art flagship building at the University.

Luke Harrison, Academic Lead – Higher Technical Skills at the University of Salford, led on the accreditation of the new courses and said: “At the University, we are always looking at the future needs of learners and employers and have a long history of embedding industry engagement into our course portfolio.  Our robust insight and analysis can identify the ever-evolving demand for skills from business, with courses designed to fast track learners into key growth sectors for the region. 

“We believe there is not just one route into higher education, but many. Courses like our new HTQs are accessible, shorter and will be delivered in a way that means learners can fit other commitments around their studies. 

“I am very proud that our new courses have been granted this prestigious accreditation, which recognises them as meeting occupational standards and of the highest standards.”

There is a growing demand for skills at levels 4 and 5 from employers and learners. The number of learners taking qualifications at this level is also low compared to other countries. In July 2020, the government published its plans for the future of higher technical education at level 4 and 5 in England. These plans set out the government’s ambition to increase the number of learners at level 4 and 5, and the supply of much-needed skills, to raise productivity and prosperity.

Claire Foreman, Director of the GMIoT, said: “I am delighted to see these cutting-edge courses designed by the University of Salford in consultation with industry gaining this prestigious accreditation. The GMIoT is a response to making our city region more reactive to local skills needs, and ultimately local economic needs, with courses on offer designed to build a skilled workforce of the future that will boost the growth of STEM industries.

“I am proud that the GMIoT offers the highest quality of teaching, and we are able to work alongside industry partners to ensure course content is relevant and future facing - this new accreditation is testament to that.”