New Higher Technical Qualifications Aim to Address West Midlands Medical Technology Skills Shortage
In a bid to tackle the growing skills gap in the medical technology sector, new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have been introduced specifically aimed at supporting local people in the West Midlands to secure in-demand roles. These qualifications focus on areas such as artificial intelligence-enabled health devices, wearable technology, imaging, and diagnostic tools — all fields experiencing rapid growth and innovation.
Collaborative Development and Implementation
The HTQs have been designed through collaboration among the West Midlands Combined Authority, Skills England, education provider Pearson, and key industry employers. The qualifications are set to be delivered by colleges, private training organisations, and universities across the region.
Currently, the new courses are being piloted with support from funding provided by the West Midlands Investment Zone, underlining the region’s commitment to boosting workforce capabilities in technology-driven healthcare sectors.
Addressing Workforce Demand and Growth
The medical technology sector is on track for significant expansion. According to the Association of British HealthTech Industries, by 2035 the UK will require an additional 70,000 jobs to meet escalating sector demands, alongside approximately 75,000 replacement workers to offset retirements and turnover.
The West Midlands already hosts a vibrant cluster of MedTech innovation hubs, such as the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator, and the Arden Cross development near the HS2 Interchange Station, which is closely linked with the University of Warwick. These centers are critical to advancing research and commercialisation in medical technologies.
Local Leadership Emphasises the Importance of Skills Development
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker highlighted the necessity of equipping local residents with the skills required to take advantage of expanding employment opportunities within the MedTech cluster. “With the UK’s largest MedTech cluster and more high-quality jobs growing at the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, it’s vital that local people have pathways to gain essential skills and access these opportunities,” he stated.
Supporting National Health Infrastructure
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, reiterated the sector’s importance and the value of the new qualifications. “MedTech represents the future, and bridging its skills gaps through these practical qualifications will directly support the NHS by improving productivity,” said Smith. He also praised the initiative as a strong example of partnership between government bodies, employers, and educational institutions working in concert to respond swiftly to skills needs in growth industries.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure the UK’s health technology industry remains competitive and innovative while generating economic growth and high-quality jobs within the West Midlands region.
For those interested in learning more about these new qualifications or related MedTech developments, local authorities and educational providers within the West Midlands offer further information and support pathways.
This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service and is available through BBC Birmingham channels on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
