The Association of British HealthTech Industries has estimated that an extra 70,000 jobs will be needed by 2035 to meet demand across the sector, alongside 75,000 replacements for those leaving the workforce.
The Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) – which can be taught by colleges, private training providers, and universities - will support people into in-demand jobs ranging from technicians working on AI-enabled health devices like wearable tech, imaging or diagnostic tools, to regulatory advisors.
To ensure that the two new qualifications support the growing skills needs of the employers who develop and produce medical technology products, West Midlands Combined Authority, lifelong learning company Pearson and Skills England engaged with stakeholders drawn from business and enterprise communities; academia and educational providers; and representatives from the NHS.
The qualifications are designed to strengthen healthcare teams with in-demand technical expertise, equipping workers with an understanding of how digital systems, regulation and testing combine in practice. They cover levels 4 and 5 – sitting between A levels and T Levels, (level 3), and degrees (levels 6 and 7).
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.'
She added: ‘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, said: ‘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.'
Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, said: ‘Filling skills gaps for this fast-growing sector, through these new qualifications, will be a really practical way of supporting the NHS through boosting productivity.
'It's a fantastic example of how national and regional government can work with employers and the education sector to rapidly respond to skills needs in growth sectors. I would like to say a special thanks to businesses in the West Midlands for all their support on this vital project.'
