Key Takeaways
- The West Midlands Combined Authority has introduced new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) to address the skills gap in medical technology
- The HTQs are designed to support people in entering in-demand jobs, including work on AI-enabled health devices
- The qualifications have been developed in partnership with Skills England, Pearson, and employers
- The new qualifications are expected to be taught by colleges, private training providers, and universities
- The West Midlands is home to several innovation hubs, including the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus and the West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator
Introduction to the Skills Gap in Medical Technology
The medical technology sector is facing a significant skills gap, with an estimated 70,000 new jobs needed by 2035 to meet demand, alongside 75,000 replacements for those leaving the workforce. To address this issue, the West Midlands Combined Authority has introduced a set of new qualifications, known as Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). These qualifications are designed to support people in the West Midlands to enter in-demand jobs, including work on AI-enabled health devices such as wearable technology, imaging, or diagnostic tools. The HTQs have been developed in partnership with Skills England, education firm Pearson, and employers, with the goal of providing local people with the skills needed to work in this sector.
The Importance of Local Skills Development
According to West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, it is essential that local people can gain the skills needed to work in the medical technology sector. The West Midlands is home to the UK’s largest MedTech cluster, and with even more high-quality jobs coming to Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, it is crucial that local people have the opportunities to gain the skills they need to work in this sector. Mayor Parker emphasized the importance of ensuring that local people can gain the skills they need to work in this sector, and the opportunities to get a foot in the door. By developing the skills of local people, the West Midlands can benefit from the growth of the medical technology sector and provide opportunities for its residents.
The Role of Partnerships in Addressing the Skills Gap
The development of the HTQs is a result of a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority, Skills England, Pearson, and employers. This partnership demonstrates how national and regional government can work with employers and the education sector to rapidly respond to skills needs in growth sectors. Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, highlighted the importance of filling skills gaps in the medical technology sector, stating that it is "the future." He also emphasized that the new qualifications will be a practical way of supporting the NHS through boosting productivity. The partnership between the different stakeholders has enabled the development of qualifications that are tailored to the needs of the medical technology sector and will provide people with the skills they need to succeed in this field.
The Benefits of the New Qualifications
The new HTQs are expected to be taught by colleges, private training providers, and universities, providing a range of options for people looking to gain the skills they need to work in the medical technology sector. The qualifications will be piloted with funding from the West Midlands Investment Zone, which will provide an opportunity to test and refine the qualifications before they are rolled out more widely. The introduction of the HTQs is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in the medical technology sector, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and the NHS. By providing people with the skills they need to work in this sector, the HTQs will help to boost productivity and support the growth of the medical technology sector in the West Midlands.
The Future of Medical Technology in the West Midlands
The West Midlands is already home to several innovation hubs, including the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator, and Arden Cross. These hubs provide a range of opportunities for businesses and individuals to develop new medical technologies and collaborate with others in the sector. The introduction of the HTQs will help to support the growth of these hubs and provide a pipeline of skilled workers who can contribute to the development of new medical technologies. With the West Midlands being at the forefront of medical technology innovation, the introduction of the HTQs is a significant step towards ensuring that the region remains a leader in this field and that local people can benefit from the opportunities that it provides.
