New qualifications have been launched to plug skills gaps in the UK’s MedTech sector, with an estimated 145,000 jobs needed by 2035 across the sector.

The higher technical qualifications (HTQs) 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.

They have been developed through a partnership between Skills England; lifelong learning company, Pearson; the West Midlands Combined Authority; and employers across the West Midlands.

Dr Zubir Ahmed, health innovation minister, 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.”

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.

Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, said: “MedTech is the future. 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.”

The HTQs are designed to equip workers with an understanding of how digital systems, regulation and testing combine in practice. 

To ensure that they support the needs of the MedTech employers, the West Midlands Combined Authority, Pearson and Skills England engaged with stakeholders from business and enterprise communities; academia and educational providers; as well as NHS representatives.

Freya Thomas Monk, managing director of Pearson Qualifications, said that the qualifications “go beyond theory, delivering practical, sector-specific knowledge and skills that reflect real job roles, new technologies, and employers’ needs”. 

The qualifications, which can be taught by colleges, private training providers, and universities, are being piloted with funding from the West Midlands Investment Zone.

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “MedTech is one of the fastest growing sectors in the West Midlands economy, which is why it plays a big role in my Growth Plan. 

“We’ve got the UK’s largest MedTech cluster, plus even more high-quality jobs coming to 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.”

The West Midlands employs more than 14,000 people generating a combined turnover of £6bn, and hosts innovation hubs including Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, Birmingham Knowledge Quarter, Arden Cross and West Midlands Health-Tech Accelerator.

Melanie Davidson, executive lead for West Midlands Health Tech Cluster, said: “By connecting academia and industry through this new MedTech pathway, we’re supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce that can stay and grow in the region, strengthening the Midlands’ MedTech ecosystem and driving innovation across the sector.”