New Qualifications Address 145,000 Job Skills Gap in MedTech

Concerns are mounting over a significant skills shortage in the medical technology sector, which is projected to require an additional 145,000 skilled workers in the coming years. In response, new qualifications have been developed in the West Midlands to help bridge this gap. The introduction of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) targets in-demand roles, including technicians for AI-enabled health devices and regulatory advisors.

These qualifications will be offered through various educational institutions, including colleges, private training providers, and universities. They have been created through a collaboration between the West Midlands Combined Authority, Skills England, the learning company Pearson, and local employers. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support workforce development in a rapidly evolving industry.

Projected Growth and Job Creation

According to the Association of British HealthTech Industries, an estimated 70,000 new jobs will be necessary by 2035 to meet the growing demand in the sector, alongside 75,000 replacements for those exiting the workforce. Currently, over 14,000 individuals are employed in medical technology across the UK, with the West Midlands recognized for its innovation hubs, including the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus and West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator.

The new HTQs are being piloted with funding from the West Midlands Investment Zone and will encompass levels 4 and 5, which fall between A Levels and T Levels (level 3) and degrees (levels 6 and 7). This tiered approach aims to create accessible pathways for learners entering the field.

Local Leaders Advocate for Skills Development

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “MedTech is one of the fastest growing sectors in the West Midlands economy, which is why it plays a big role in my Growth Plan,” he stated. Parker noted that with the UK’s largest MedTech cluster located in the region, it is essential for local residents to acquire the skills necessary to capitalize on emerging job opportunities.

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, added that the new qualifications are designed to equip learners with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for success in the MedTech industry. “They go beyond theory, delivering practical, sector-specific knowledge and skills that reflect real job roles, new technologies, and employers’ needs,” she explained.

Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, highlighted the qualifications as a critical step in addressing the skills gap. “MedTech is the future. Filling skills gaps for this fast-growing sector through these new qualifications will be a really practical way of supporting the NHS through boosting productivity,” he stated. Smith described this initiative as an exemplary model of collaboration between government, employers, and the education sector to swiftly respond to the skills needs of a growing industry.

The development of these new qualifications represents a proactive approach to ensuring that the workforce in the medical technology sector is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, initiatives like these will be vital in strengthening the UK’s position in this dynamic field.