BRADFORD College will be part of a major new push to boost local skills in the field of medical technology.

The college is part of a consortium that has just been awarded £200,000 to create a National MedTech Skills Academy, which will act as a centre of expertise to help identify the skills needed in the growing sector.

The University of Leeds will lead the project, and the consortium also includes Leeds Beckett University. The scheme is the Leeds City Region part of a £6.1 million investment from the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

The hope is the funding will help keep local workers at the forefront of a rapidly changing industry.

Bradford College runs an acclaimed opthalmic dispensing course, which uses the latest technology in the field, and its recently opened Advanced Technology Centre is home to the Northern Dental Education Centre, which trains dental staff to use the new technology.

By boosting local skills, the academy will support local industries and encourage the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in the region.

As part of the academy, there will be a graduate development programme to “improve industry readiness,” as well as providing ongoing professional development for graduates entering the sector.

It also involves an internship and placement scheme to support students during their time in industry, the provision of new courses to encourage students from STEM disciplines to consider a career in the sector, and industry-led projects to bring engineers, product designers, scientists, medical and business students together to stimulate innovation.

The academy will also create a regional talent ‘pipeline’ by promoting the sector and job opportunities amongst young people.

Richard Thomas, Provost of University Centre, Bradford College, said: “New medical technologies are a critical aspect of the provision of healthcare in the UK and we are pleased to be playing a role in this project, working with our university, NHS and industry partners to develop a skills provision which will underpin the development and implementation of these new technologies in our healthcare system.”

Sir Alan Langlands, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: “The academy is a fine example of collaboration between universities, the NHS and industry. It is determined to develop the skills required to ensure that the Leeds City Region and the UK as a whole remains at the leading edge of research, innovation and the application of medical technologies for patient benefit.”