New Qualifications Aim to Address 145,000 Job Skills Gap in MedTech

Concerns about a significant skills shortage in the medical technology sector have prompted the development of new qualifications in the West Midlands. The initiative targets an estimated 145,000 skills gap in the industry, driven by the need for skilled professionals in roles such as technicians for AI-enabled health devices, imaging tools, and regulatory advisory positions.

The introduction of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) is designed to prepare individuals for in-demand jobs. These qualifications can be delivered by colleges, private training providers, and universities. The project is a collaborative effort involving the West Midlands Combined Authority, Skills England, learning company Pearson, and various employers in the sector.

Meeting Future Demand

According to the Association of British HealthTech Industries, the sector will require an additional 70,000 jobs by 2035. This figure includes 75,000 replacements for workers exiting the industry. Currently, there are over 14,000 people employed in medical technology across the UK, with the West Midlands serving as a hub for innovation. Notable locations include the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus and the West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator.

The new qualifications are being piloted under funding from the West Midlands Investment Zone. They encompass levels 4 and 5, which fall between A Levels and T Levels (level 3), as well as degrees (levels 6 and 7).

Empowering the Workforce

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, emphasized the importance of the MedTech sector in the region’s economic landscape. He stated, “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.” Parker highlighted the necessity for local residents to acquire the skills required to take advantage of the growing job opportunities within the sector.

Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, noted that the new programs are designed to provide learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills pertinent to actual job roles. “They go beyond theory, delivering practical, sector-specific knowledge and skills that reflect real job roles, new technologies, and employers’ needs,” she explained.

In addition, Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, expressed optimism about the impact of these qualifications. “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 commended the collaboration between national and regional governments, employers, and the education sector as a model for addressing skills demands in emerging industries.

The initiative represents a proactive response to the anticipated workforce challenges in medical technology, ensuring that the sector can continue to thrive and meet the healthcare needs of the future.