Film Recognises Transformation of Mansfield Business

The story of how Mansfield-based Mines Rescue has successfully transformed itself in response to a declining mining industry has been selected as the subject of a unique documentary.

The short film, which was broadcast by ITV News on Monday, 16 June, shows how Mines Rescue has diversified from rescuing trapped miners to become a leading provider of health and safety training. 

This transformation has been possible after employees completed a university level programme through Learning through Work – with learndirect Business and the University of Derby.  Recognising that the Mines Rescue story could resonate with other companies, learndirect Business asked the Mansfield-based company to feature in the short film which highlights the business benefits that training provides.

Directed by BAFTA award winning director Stuart Urban, the Mines Rescue story uses a mix of real life footage and animation, the documentary-style film charts the story of how the firm diversified to find new markets after being privatised and the decline of the mining industry.

Most workers had gone into mining straight from school and never studied before.  During 2007, a number of rescue workers, admin staff and management from Mines Rescue embarked on the Learning through Work university level programme, delivered through the University of Derby to develop their knowledge and skills.   

Learning through Work recognises the importance of ‘real’ work experience.  It uses a unique, online framework and work-based projects so that employees are not required to attend a university or college to learn. Tutor support is provided interactively online, face-to-face or over the telephone.

By branching out into wider business areas including health and safety training and consultancy, Mines Rescue has improved itsperformance, growth, and subsidised the cost of the Mines Rescue Service to the coal industry. In addition, communication skills, morale, company performance and growth have all improved as a result.  Learning through Work has been a life-line for improvement, whilst also contributing to the continued provision of the emergency mines rescue service to the deep mine coal industry.

Mines Rescue’s Commercial Manager, Andrew Watson, is himself a Learning through Work student. In consultation with Derby's Learning through Work team, he designed his own course of study - Mines Rescue Management - to look specifically at challenges and potential developments for the business: “Our decision to become involved in this project is part of a process of continual improvement and change for this business,” said Andrew.  “We have developed from being part of a nationalised industry to a private enterprise that relies on co-operation and motivated staff. 

“Because Mines Rescue is a constantly changing, non-traditional business, tailor made training that meets the needs of our business is a viable and extremely worthwhile investment.  I’m glad we’ve been given the chance to highlight how Learning through Work has transformed our company, I hope the message gets out there and more businesses discover the benefits that learning can bring.”

Kirstie Donnelly, Director of Products and Marketing at learndirect Business, said: “Mines Rescue’s journey is a great example of how tailored and flexible learning can really have a positive impact on businesses’ bottom line.  Because Learning through Work is work-based it was able to provide higher level learning for the Mines Rescue employees without them having to take time away from work to attend university or college.  Furthermore, unlike an ‘off the peg’ university course, the employees worked in conjunction with the University of Derby to develop their own courses.  This meant they were tailored to the specific industry, business needs and individual employees.

“Mines Rescue proves that learning new skills to support the business is beneficial to both employers and employees.  The right training has the power to transform businesses but at the same time motivate, engage and realise the true potential of employees.”