New Qualifications Launched to Address Medical Technology Skills Shortage in West Midlands
The West Midlands region is set to benefit from a new range of Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) aimed at closing the growing skills gap in the medical technology (MedTech) sector. These courses have been specifically designed to prepare local people for in-demand roles, particularly in emerging fields such as AI-enabled health devices, wearable technology, imaging, and diagnostic tools.
The qualifications—developed through a collaborative effort involving the West Midlands Combined Authority, Skills England, education provider Pearson, and industry employers—will be delivered by colleges, private training providers, and universities across the area. The initiative is supported by funding from the West Midlands Investment Zone and is currently in the pilot phase.
Addressing Growing Demand for Skilled MedTech Professionals
The urgency for such training programs stems from projections by the Association of British HealthTech Industries, which estimates that by 2035 the UK will require an additional 70,000 MedTech workers to meet sector growth, alongside 75,000 replacements for those retiring or leaving the workforce. Currently, more than 14,000 people are employed in the MedTech sector nationwide.
The West Midlands is a key hub for medical technology innovation with several prominent development zones such as the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator, and Arden Cross. Arden Cross, for example, is a significant development surrounding the HS2 Interchange Station, created in partnership with the University of Warwick to foster health technology advancements.
Local Leadership Emphasizes Skills Development
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker highlighted the importance of ensuring that local residents have access to the skills necessary for these emerging opportunities. “We’ve got the UK’s largest MedTech cluster, plus even more high-quality jobs coming through the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, so it’s essential that we ensure local people can gain the skills they need to work in this sector, and the opportunities to get a foot in the door,” he said.
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, described the MedTech sector as “the future” and emphasized the practical benefits of the new qualifications. He stated, “Filling skills gaps for this fast-growing sector through these new qualifications will be a really practical way of supporting the NHS by boosting productivity.”
Smith also praised the collaboration behind the initiative as an example of effective cooperation between national and regional government, employers, and educational institutions to respond quickly to workforce needs in sectors experiencing rapid growth.
Looking Ahead
These newly developed HTQs are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s healthcare system and technological innovation. By equipping more local talent with specialized skills, the West Midlands aims to maintain its position as a leading MedTech cluster while helping to meet the sector’s expanding workforce demands.
The pilot phase’s success will determine how quickly and widely these qualifications are rolled out across the region, shaping the future workforce of the UK’s medical technology industry.
This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service and is part of the BBC’s ongoing coverage of education, innovation, and regional economic development.
