Jessica O'ConnorNew Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) in medical technology are being rolled out to help address a growing skills shortage in the UK’s MedTech sector and ease pressure on the NHS workforce.
The qualifications are designed to support entry into roles including technicians working on AI-enabled health devices such as wearable technology, imaging and diagnostic tools, as well as regulatory advisers.
Estimates suggest around 145,000 jobs will be needed across the sector by 2035, made up of both new roles and replacements for those leaving the workforce.
The HTQs have been developed through a partnership between Skills England, Pearson, the West Midlands Combined Authority and MedTech employers across the region.
The West Midlands is a major hub for the sector, home to more than 700 MedTech businesses and employing over 14,000 people.
The qualifications can be delivered by colleges, private training providers and universities and sit at levels 4 and 5, between A levels or T Levels and full degree programmes.
The rollout supports the Government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to be engaged in higher-level learning by the age of 25, across academic, technical and apprenticeship routes.
Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, said: “MedTech is transforming healthcare and these new qualifications will make sure people have the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
“I’m proud to see the West Midlands leading the way – working directly with employers to deliver opportunities that meet real business needs. By closing critical skills gaps, we’re not only opening careers for thousands of people – we’re helping the NHS cut waiting lists and deliver better care through innovation.”
Health Innovation Minister Dr Zubir Ahmed added: “I’m excited to see these new qualifications help thousands of people into rewarding careers, supporting our UK MedTech sector to strengthen the NHS and cut waiting lists.
“Our Life Science Sector Plan set out the importance of supporting MedTech as an engine for growth, and skills development is fundamental to this.
“These qualifications demonstrate exactly the kind of innovative thinking we need to equip people with cutting-edge skills – addressing critical workforce shortages and supporting the future of NHS care and productivity.”
