Investing in skills for the future of health and social care
The University of Huddersfield’s continued investment in health education—most notably through the development of the Emily Siddon Building—is closely aligned with the priorities set out in the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). At the heart of this plan is a clear ambition: to tackle critical workforce shortages and equip young people with the skills they need to enter priority sectors, including health and social care.
Health and social care remains one of the largest employment sectors across the region, yet it faces long-standing recruitment challenges. An ageing population, growing demand for services, and the evolution of healthcare technologies all contribute to an urgent need for well-trained professionals. Addressing this gap requires more than new qualifications—it calls for long-term, strategic investment in infrastructure, partnerships, and early career pathways.
Aligning with regional priorities
The Emily Siddon Building—set to open in December 2025 on the University’s National Health Innovation Campus—represents a major step toward realising the LSIP’s ambitions. It will house purpose-built facilities for teaching diagnostic radiography and dental hygiene and therapy, two areas where national and regional shortages are especially acute. Importantly, this investment also includes the UK’s first university-based NHS Community Diagnostic Centre, offering direct service to the local community while providing students with real-world, inter-professional learning experiences.
The decision to focus on these fields was shaped by input from regional NHS trusts, community healthcare providers, and employers—echoing the LSIP’s emphasis on employer-led training and local workforce planning. The University’s collaboration with Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust ensures the building is not just a place of learning, but a vital resource for the wider health system.
Creating career pathways for young people
Equipping the next generation for success in healthcare careers means starting early—raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and creating supportive pathways into study and employment. The University’s new BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene & Dental Therapy degrees are not only academically rigorous, but also designed to be accessible and career-focused, with options including degree apprenticeships and practical placements that build real-world confidence.
Students will learn in simulated hospital and clinical environments alongside peers from other disciplines such as nursing, paramedicine, and physiotherapy—promoting inter-professional teamwork from day one. These approaches directly respond to the LSIP’s call for flexible, practical training that prepares learners to meet modern healthcare demands.
A long-term commitment to community and care
The University of Huddersfield is proud to support the regional skills agenda—not only by responding to current shortages, but by laying the foundations for a more resilient, skilled, and compassionate workforce. The Emily Siddon Building, and the innovative teaching that will take place inside it, represent a tangible step forward in this shared mission.
By investing in facilities, partnerships, and programmes that serve both students and the wider health and care system, Huddersfield is helping ensure that young people across West Yorkshire can step confidently into vital roles—and shape the future of health and social care in our communities.
Julie Pink, Head of Schools and Colleges Liaison Service, University of Huddersfield
