New qualifications aim to close a growing MedTech skills gap

A new set of technical qualifications has been introduced to address a widening skills shortage in the medical technology sector, with a strong focus on opportunities in the West Midlands. Known as Higher Technical Qualifications, or HTQs, the courses are designed to help people move into high demand roles linked to modern healthcare technology. These include work on artificial intelligence powered medical devices such as wearable health monitors, imaging systems, and advanced diagnostic tools that are becoming central to modern healthcare delivery.

Responding to rapid change in healthcare technology

Medical technology is evolving at a fast pace, driven by advances in data analysis, automation, and digital health solutions. As hospitals and healthcare providers adopt smarter tools, the need for technicians, engineers, and specialists with the right technical skills has grown sharply. Industry bodies warn that without targeted training, the UK risks falling behind in both innovation and patient care. The new HTQs are intended to offer a practical route into these emerging roles, combining technical knowledge with real world application.

Collaboration between government education and industry

The qualifications have been developed through a partnership involving the West Midlands Combined Authority, Skills England, and education company Pearson, working closely with employers across the sector. This collaborative approach is meant to ensure that the courses reflect actual industry needs rather than theoretical requirements. The programmes are expected to be delivered by further education colleges, private training providers, and universities, giving learners multiple entry points depending on their background and career stage.

Strong demand for future MedTech workers

The scale of the challenge facing the sector is significant. The Association of British HealthTech Industries estimates that an additional seventy thousand workers will be needed by twenty thirty five to meet rising demand. On top of that, around seventy five thousand roles will need to be filled to replace workers leaving the industry through retirement or career changes. These figures highlight why targeted technical education is becoming urgent rather than optional.

The West Midlands as a MedTech hub

Although more than fourteen thousand people already work in medical technology across the UK, the West Midlands plays a particularly important role. The region hosts several major innovation centres, including Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, the West Midlands Health Tech Accelerator, and Arden Cross. Arden Cross is a large scale development around the HS2 Interchange Station and involves close collaboration with the University of Warwick. Together, these hubs position the region as one of the most important MedTech clusters in the country.

Funding support and local opportunity

The new qualifications are being piloted with financial backing from the West Midlands Investment Zone, which aims to attract investment and support high value industries. Local leaders see the initiative as a way to ensure that people living in the region benefit directly from economic growth. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the region already has the UK’s largest MedTech cluster, with more high quality jobs expected as developments expand. He stressed the importance of giving local people the skills and access needed to enter the sector.

A boost for the NHS and the wider economy

Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, described medical technology as the future of healthcare and economic growth. He said filling skills gaps through the new qualifications would be a practical way to support the NHS by improving productivity and efficiency. The initiative is being presented as an example of how national and regional government can work alongside employers and educators to respond quickly to skills shortages in fast growing sectors.

Building a workforce for tomorrow

As healthcare becomes more technology driven, initiatives like the new HTQs are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the workforce of the future. By aligning education with industry demand, the programme aims to create clearer pathways into skilled employment while strengthening the UK’s position in global medical technology.