From Mining Engineering to Health and Safety Leadership | Kumbirai Mupunga's NEBOSH Diploma Journey

When Kumbirai Mupunga moved from Zimbabwe to London, he brought with him a wealth of experience in mining engineering. But he knew that to truly advance his career in his new home, he needed a qualification that would demonstrate his expertise in health and safety at the highest level. His decision to study the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma with Astutis would prove to be a transformative step in his professional journey.

For Kumbirai, balancing work commitments with his ambition to further his qualifications was no small challenge. Yet the support he received from Astutis made all the difference.

"It was a roller coaster because I was balancing work and studying with Astutis, but the team was so supportive throughout the whole process – it was just seamless."

The flexibility of online distance learning meant Kumbirai could progress at his own pace whilst managing his professional responsibilities. But what stood out most was how Astutis made him feel valued throughout his studies.

"Astutis has good values. You're very formal and professional, and you did follow-ups to make sure you supported me not only as a customer but also as your student."

Coming from a mining engineering background, Kumbirai already understood the technical side of operations. What the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma offered him was something deeper – a comprehensive understanding of health and safety that extended far beyond the operational context he was familiar with.

"I've always been in the engineering field – I worked in mining. The health and safety aspect collaborates with the mining engineering aspect as well. The NEBOSH diploma offered intricate details and in-depth safety knowledge, which is something I couldn't really extract from mining because it's heavily focused on engineering. The safety aspect and how you go about it in day-to-day life, apart from operational work – it was amazing."

Among all the units he studied, one stood out as particularly transformative: leadership. For Kumbirai, who works as a team leader in the mining field, this element of the course resonated deeply with his day-to-day responsibilities.

"Leadership was one of the most insightful units because being a leader means being selfless and putting your team first. As a team leader working in the mining field and in health and safety, it's very important to wear that cap with pride. That was the course which I found very insightful and engaging, and I really take everything I've learned and apply it in my real life."

The interactive nature of the learning platform also made a significant impression. Despite studying remotely, Kumbirai never felt isolated or unsupported.

"The team is very kind and embracing. You take people from different diverse cultures and fields, and you're able to accommodate them. The platform where I would interact with my tutors was very interactive and detailed. It's left a very good impression on me."

Completing the diploma has been more than just an academic achievement for Kumbirai, it represents a personal victory and a new chapter in his life. Having been in the UK for just under three years, he's still finding his path, but the qualification has given him confidence and a competitive edge.

"I'm always someone who's challenging myself. I had time to reflect and I said, 'I'm going to change my life and pursue a career and education.' It was a challenge for me, and I managed to overcome it – here I am."

The versatility of the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma is something Kumbirai is keen to emphasise. He recognises that health and safety expertise is valuable across every sector, not just in traditional high-risk industries.

"I would recommend the diploma. It's very insightful and it applies to all sectors. Banks need health and safety officers, construction needs health and safety officers – every industry requires a health and safety aspect. It's versatile and anyone can do it, but you do it better if you do it with Astutis because it brought me here in a very short space of time."

As Kumbirai looks to the future, the qualification has positioned him at a distinct advantage in the job market.

"I haven't actively started looking yet, but it's something in the pipeline. I've been in the UK for just under three years, so I'm still settling and finding the best way forward. But the qualification really puts me at a high vantage point compared to anyone who hasn't studied this course."

Reflecting on his graduation day, his first in the UK, Kumbirai describes the experience as deeply emotional and meaningful. It's a milestone that represents not just academic success, but personal growth, resilience, and the beginning of new opportunities.

His message to others considering the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma is clear and heartfelt:

"I would definitely recommend Astutis. I'm the epitome of someone who started studying out of the blue, and you managed to make sure I finished. If it weren't for your unwavering support online, I cannot imagine – I would not be where I am. Anyone can do this, anyone can achieve it. I would definitely recommend Astutis as the best team for you."

Kumbirai's journey with Astutis demonstrates how Astutis’ NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma, combined with genuine support and flexibility, can empower professionals to achieve their ambitions, no matter where they start from.