Triton Risk Management and the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) have reinstated the Regulated Qualification for Mines Rescue Officers following its withdrawal almost ten years ago.
Triton Risk Management, who became an MPQC Accredited Centre in early 2022, recently completed a successful campaign of Level 2 Specialist Rescue Worker Qualifications for their Mines Rescue Operatives supporting the Anglo American Woodsmith Project in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. A significant investment by the organisation, but it hasn’t stopped there.
The notable decline within the mining sector over recent decades has been clearly evident. This has led to challenges such as the availability of skilled people to undertake key roles, including Rescue Officers. However, the sector is seeing a resurgence, and that requires us to be prepared.
MP Awards is a dedicated sector-specific Awarding Organisation within MPQC, specifically for regulated qualifications, where they also provide assessment solutions and a range of other services within the extractive, mineral processing and related manufacturing sectors.
Triton and MPQC started redeveloping the regulated Level 4 Rescue Officer Qualification last year (2022) through their MP Awards division. Both organisations have invested considerable time and effort in reviewing, refreshing and redeveloping a regulated qualification that is suitable and fit-for-purpose, not only for today’s mining environments, but for those of the future.
“Reviews of this nature are critical to ensure that our qualifications are aligned to current working practice. This is an important piece of work, and I was delighted to be involved.” John Clark, General Manager – MP Awards
Triton’s philosophy has always been to approach education holistically, combining traditional ways of working which are still relevant and appropriate today, with modern skills and techniques which adopt and utilise innovative equipment and systems.
In order to achieve this, Triton have employed the best subject matter experts within their fields including former Rescue Officers. Engaging with Technical Search and Rescue Specialists from Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and International Search and Rescue (ISAR) to Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) Paramedics. Triton has covered all bases when it comes to making sure that the new Mines Rescue Officer Qualification which is regulated by Ofqual, is, once completed, a robust and comprehensive demonstration of a person’s competence for such a critical role within an underground or surface mine emergency.
“We recognise the challenges that the sector has faced, but we have also seen tremendous resilience and a willingness to adapt. Whether it is critical, foundation or essential minerals that are mined and extracted here in the UK, we are confident that the sector has a positive future and we’re proud to be doing our small part in ensuring that future is as safe as possible.” Ashley Wood, Director – Triton Risk Management
