Survival Systems International

Global lifeboat manufacturer Survival Systems International has been able to integrate learning with the needs of its business due to skills development opportunities offered by The Open University.

Part of a global network of owned and operated service bases, delivering a specialist range of innovative lifeboat products and services to offshore operators, staff working at Survival Systems International’s base at Montrose in Angus have benefited from access to Open University (OU) courses.

Survival Systems International first began partnering with the OU in Scotland in 2021, after being attracted to the courses the distance-learning provider had to offer.

Several different skills development opportunities were available to choose from, enabling the company to select learning options that complemented the business’ organisational needs. The organisation was fortunate to access Scottish Government funding for the training.

The Human Resources Manager for Survival Systems International, Tina Simpson, explains: “Access to the relevant courses offered by the OU has allowed us to support the development of our workforce".

Access to the relevant courses offered by the OU has allowed us to support the development of our workforce.”

Tina also highlights that the flexibility provided by the OU in Scotland has been welcome when operational needs have had to take precedence at times. As an employer, she also recommends to businesses: “Allowing time and resources for employees to complete the training within their defined training programme.”

As a result of studying with the OU in Scotland, the HR Manager shares that the benefits to the workforce have included: “Promotion of staff that completed their training, increased knowledge, continuous professional development, and opportunities to progress within the company.”