Back to school: The plans for the National MedTech Skills Academy
Professor Ian Robertson (pictured) is academic lead for the National Medical Technologies Skills Academy at the University of Leeds’ School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. He spoke to MTI recently to give an update on the Medtech Skills Academy, which launched early in 2018, and discuss plans for the future.
The Leeds City Region is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for MedTech. It is home to over 250 businesses specialising in medical technologies and a further 200 digital and technology businesses operating in the health and social care space. The success of the industry creates an increasing demand for specialist technical skills, while the dominance of small businesses means that companies often struggle to provide the necessary training and skills development.
The purpose of the National MedTech Skills Academy is to develop a workforce with skills in the research, design and manufacture of advanced medical devices, which are underpinned by convergent technologies and digitally enhanced products and services. The aim is to work with industry, education partners and clinicians to establish a talent pipeline that will train, develop and supply the next generation of the medtech workforce at all levels.
The Academy is implementing the first phase of its vision for which it is involving education providers and industry working together to deliver the next generation of skilled medtech engineers. Learners, who may be students, recent graduates or those returning to education, that are employed in medtech businesses will acquire a broad-based technical and managerial education, and combine this with the development of practical and work-based professional skills.
Robertson explained: “We are developing a multi-disciplinary approach to address the breadth of challenges and training needs in the medical technologies industry sector. For example, in the first tranche of work we will be providing new online and blended learning opportunities for engineering students, industry and health professionals working in conjunction with the award-winning Digital Education Service at Leeds.
“Our primary focal points are; increasing the opportunities for placements for students; a curriculum driven by researchers, industry and clinicians; digital healthcare, regenerative medicine, advanced manufacture, robotics and AI; understanding the regulatory environment; and enhanced professional development opportunities”, he continued.
The team is based in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds and has been established with Catalyst Fund support from the Office for Students. The consortium, including Leeds Beckett University and Bradford College, builds on a number of key existing strengths including the Leeds Academic Health Partnership and the Translate: Medical Technologies & Grow MedTech innovation initiatives.
“We are interested in building our network of industry and academic partners and welcome all those who have an interest in shaping and informing the work of the Academy as is it progresses. We are particularly interested in connecting with industry partners to shape the programme and provide a sustainable route to ensuring the work we do meets the standards & needs of the MedTech sector.”