HETT Framework

Technical roles within higher education are often described as complex, with limited visible pathways for career development and progression. Roles, titles, duties and levels of seniority differ significantly both within institutions and across the sector as a whole. This causes confusion for existing and prospective technicians, and is described as a significant barrier within the profession.

The Higher Education Technical Taxonomy (HETT) provides clarity by illustrating career pathways from entry to leadership level. Roles are arranged against incremental ‘bands’ with potential progression opportunities. A significant benefit of the Framework is that it focuses on technical skills and abilities, ensuring relevance and alignment to the work of technicians.

The HETT Framework is free to NTDC Partner Affiliates, including a free consultation with members of the NTDC Team.

The HETT is supported by the HE Technical Competency Framework, which provides capability requirements for each band. The Framework has been mapped against the Higher Education Role Analysis (HERA) and Hay (External PDF, 480KB) frameworks in addition to other nationally recognised standards.

The NTDC is currently developing the Higher Education Technical Taxonomy and the HE Competency Framework to allow for inclusivity of all disciplines, particularly the creative arts.

View an example competency framework and role outline for the HETT Band 1: Assistant Technician.

Find out more

If you’d like to know more about the HETT Framework or how to implement it within your institution, get in touch with us