Student Joins Ministers at House of Lords

One of UCEN Manchester’s first students to enrol on a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) was among the guests to attend a celebration event in Westminster hosted by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan.

The event at the House of Lords, which also featured Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Robert Halfon, took place to mark the first year of delivery of HTQs. 

Michael Walsh, Dean of UCEN and Deputy Principal of The Manchester College, was in attendance along with Haleema Tabassum, who is currently studying for a HTQ in Computing, and Steve Exley, LTE Group’s Head of PR and Public Affairs.

Ms Keegan spoke of her delight at the early success of the HTQ programme and her ambitions for more students to have the opportunity to pursue level 4 and 5 qualifications in the future, while Mr Halfon said HTQs were an important part of the Government’s ambitions to create an “apprenticeships and skills nation”.

Commenting on the event, Mr Walsh said: “It was a privilege to attend such a prestigious event along with our brilliant HTQ student Haleema.

We have work hard with partners in Greater Manchester College Group to open up HTQs to young people across the city region, and we share the ministers’ ambitions to create an established route to develop the high-level skills which our economy needs.

The HTQ in Computing is delivered at the brand-new City Campus Manchester where students can benefit from the latest cutting-edge facilities and equipment.

From September, UCEN Manchester will also be delivering HTQs in Construction. For more information about HTQs, visit our website.