New MedTech Qualifications Aim to Address 145,000-Skill Shortage

Key Takeaways

New higher technical qualifications (HTQs) aim to address skill shortages in the UK’s MedTech sector, projected to need 145,000 jobs by 2035.
The qualifications will train individuals for roles in AI health devices, regulatory advice, and more, emphasizing practical skills demanded by employers.
Collaborative efforts among educational institutions and employers in the West Midlands support workforce development and boost local economic growth.

New Qualifications to Address Skills Shortages in the MedTech Sector

The UK’s MedTech sector is facing a significant workforce challenge, with estimates suggesting a need for 145,000 jobs by 2035. To tackle this issue, new higher technical qualifications (HTQs) have been launched to prepare individuals for a range of in-demand roles, from technicians developing AI-enabled health devices to regulatory advisors.

These qualifications stem from a collaboration involving Skills England, Pearson, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and local employers. Dr Zubir Ahmed, the health innovation minister, expressed optimism about the new programs, highlighting their potential to connect thousands with rewarding careers while also supporting the NHS in addressing waiting list pressures. He emphasized the role of MedTech as a growth engine as outlined in the Life Science Sector Plan, noting that skills development is crucial for the sector’s future.

The Association of British HealthTech Industries estimates that an additional 70,000 jobs will be needed in the sector, alongside 75,000 replacements for those exiting the workforce. Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, reaffirmed the importance of filling these skills gaps to enhance NHS productivity.

The HTQs are designed to ensure that workers not only understand digital systems but also the regulatory and testing frameworks in real-world applications. By engaging stakeholders from various fields—including business, academia, and the NHS—developers aimed to create qualifications that truly meet employer needs.

Freya Thomas Monk, managing director of Pearson Qualifications, stated that the programs focus on practical, sector-specific knowledge and skills, going beyond theoretical learning to reflect actual job roles and technologies in demand. These qualifications will be delivered through colleges, private training organizations, and universities, with a pilot phase supported by the West Midlands Investment Zone.

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, noted the rapid growth of the MedTech sector in the region, which is highlighted in his Growth Plan. With the UK’s largest MedTech cluster and the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter poised for further development, he stressed the importance of equipping local residents with skills necessary for the industry.

Currently, over 14,000 individuals work in the West Midlands MedTech sector, contributing to a combined turnover of £6 billion. The region is home to several innovation hubs, including the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, Arden Cross, and the West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator.

Melanie Davidson, executive lead for the West Midlands Health Tech Cluster, emphasized the significance of connecting academia with industry through the new MedTech pathway. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce that remains in the region while fostering innovation within the MedTech ecosystem.

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