City of Bristol College has launched Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) so students get the right training, knowledge, and skills to succeed.
Recently awarded 'Good' by Ofsted, the college was praised for its Apprenticeship schemes highlighting the strong relationships with a wide range of partners to meet local, regional and national skills needs.
The new HTQs will further help deliver the skills Bristol employers want and provide students with a route to a well-paid, secure and sustainable job. With HTQs, learners and employers can have confidence in courses that provide the skills they need to succeed.
Zahid Gill, Head of Higher Education at City of Bristol College, has worked at City of Bristol College for more than 20 years and is passionate about developing students’ skills, knowledge and employability to reach their career aspirations.
He said: “We know employers are crying out for more people qualified in these skills to grow their businesses and the economy. HTQs are at the forefront of our drive to have more people qualified at higher technical levels.
“We want to do everything we can to train and upskill the current and future workforce to ensure that the city of Bristol flourishes in the future. As well as the new HTQs, we have many apprenticeship schemes, which are one of the fastest growing educational pathways as they offer a fantastic alternative to traditional routes such as A Levels or vocational qualifications.
"At City of Bristol College, there is a wide range of apprenticeships on offer for young people who aspire to work in skilled occupations or progress to higher education, and adults seeking career development. We offer a full progression route in apprenticeships from L2-L5 across various sectors. And our students benefit from access to great facilities, industry links, excellent teaching staff and great support.’’
City of Bristol College is now offering several HTQs. They are Computing and Digital Technologies HNC/D (HTQ) and FDSC Assistant Practitioner (Health and Social Care) (HTQ), HTQ Advanced Practitioner in Mental Health (with apprenticeship pathway), Computing and Digital Technologies HNC/D (HTQ), NCFE Early years Senior Practitioner HTQ.
The college also offers Degree Apprenticeships in, Construction Site Supervisor Level 4, Engineering Manufacture Technician Level 4 and Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5.
We spoke to City of Bristol College to find out more about these new qualifications.
What are Higher Technical Qualifications?
HTQs at City of Bristol College are at the forefront of the drive to bridge the skills gap and an alternative to apprenticeships or degrees. They may suit you if you want a more practical, employer-led study programme. They are Level 4 or 5 qualifications based on the same standards as apprenticeships and T Levels and are approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Who can study HTQs?
They are for students who want to study higher technical, employer-led qualifications and for students who want to take up highly-skilled jobs. You have to be at least 18 to undertake an HTQ and they can be taken after a Level 3 qualification, such as A Levels, T Levels, BTECs or some advanced apprenticeships.
What is City of Bristol College like as a place to study?
The college has a proud history of delivering education and training in Bristol and can trace its roots back to the 1500s. Today, meeting local, regional and national skills needs is at the heart of what the college delivers.
Mr Gill added: “Alongside learning in the college’s existing facilities, there are also new areas, ensuring students will hone their skills with industry-ready equipment. You will learn in small classes with individual support tailored to you. Many former students have fed back that this unwavering and consistent support them through their courses. Learning is blended so practical skills are explored too.’’
The college sites are:
College Green Centre - Situated in the heart of the city, this centre offers A Levels and many technical/vocational qualifications and apprenticeships.
Advanced Skills Construction Centre - This impressive, modern building at Hengrove Park has a range of specialist training facilities to support some of the college's technical qualifications and apprenticeships.
Advanced Engineering Centre - This centre at Parkway features industry facilities such as workshops, laboratories, computer-aided simulation rigs and testing/diagnostic equipment.
Motor Vehicle Technology Centre - The college's second centre at Parkway boasts modern facilities including heavy and light vehicle workshops, body repair and finishing workshops, electronic engine testing and diagnostic equipment and computer-aided simulation rigs.
Ashley Down Centre - This historic building provides modern facilities and offers study space, learning zones, classrooms, workshops and student social areas near Gloucester Road.
South Bristol Skills Academy - The centre is home to a range of specialist training facilities to support technical qualifications and apprenticeships. The bright and spacious classrooms and workshops provide a fantastic learning environment.
The Brislington & Ashley Down Centres for Independent Living - These specialist centres are residential, independent living training facilities that support students with additional needs who are currently enrolled on a full-time course with the college.
Is City of Bristol College highly regarded?
It was recently awarded a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted and is meeting local and regional skills needs following its most recent inspection (January 2023).
Inspectors praised apprenticeship programmes: “Leaders and managers have developed effective apprenticeship programmes. Teachers deliver the topics apprentices need in order to be better in their jobs and pass their assessments.”
Ofsted also looked at how well the college meets skills needs. The report recognises the important role that the college plays in the city and beyond: “Leaders and managers work effectively with employers and stakeholders to identify the current and future skills needs.''
Does the college have good links with businesses and employers?
Yes! The college has excellent links with business and industry and the staff are all industry-trained specialists with some staff still working in the industry. HTQs give employers a voice at the heart of the skills system – developing the standards that qualifications are assessed.
Find out more
For further information, call 0117 3125000 or see the website.
