Students Lead Major Role in Mansfield Funding Bid

Date - 20th Nov 2020

West Nottinghamshire College students create a professional film supporting the district’s major regeneration proposal.

Students Helping Shape the Future of Mansfield

Media students from West Nottinghamshire College have taken a leading role in supporting Mansfield District’s bid for up to £25 million in Government funding. Their work formed a key part of the official submission to the Towns Fund, which aims to support regeneration projects across the UK.

The Making Mansfield Place Board recently unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the district, focusing on improvements in town centres, transport, connectivity, skills, wellbeing, and local identity. If successful, major projects will be delivered between 2022 and 2026 — and local students have helped showcase why Mansfield deserves the investment.

Creating a Professional Film for a Real Client

In October, students from the college’s creative digital media programme were approached to produce a high-quality promotional film to accompany the funding application.

Under the guidance of tutor Michael Rhodes, the students worked alongside experienced industry professionals, including media specialist Tony Hall, to plan, film and edit the content.

They filmed at locations across the district, capturing interviews with:

• West Notts College executives

• Local councillors

• Mansfield Mayor Andy Abrahams

Their work highlighted not only the proposed regeneration projects, but also the passion and ambition of the people driving change in the community.

A Valuable Real-World Learning Experience

For the students involved, the project offered an invaluable opportunity to work in a professional environment — something many said boosted their skills, confidence and future career prospects.

“The feedback I got for my editing was good and it felt like our work was appreciated.” — Joe, student

“It’s great that we’re getting more opportunities like this which we can put on our CVs and showreels.” — Student participant

The experience also allowed learners to see their work used outside of college for an important, real-world purpose. Students expressed pride in helping create something meaningful for the wider community.

Supporting Mansfield’s Future

A decision on the Towns Fund was expected early in 2021, with further project plans to be drawn up if funding is approved. Up to 13 local projects have already been identified, shaped by representatives from a range of partner organisations.

If the bid is successful, it means Mansfield could begin work on several major improvement schemes — with students able to say they played an active part in shaping the town’s future.

“The students were incredibly professional and the finished video is exactly what we were aiming to achieve.” — Michael Rhodes, tutor

Looking Ahead

The project has given students meaningful experience, professional credits, and a chance to contribute to a long-term transformation of their town. It’s another example of the growing partnership between local education, industry, and community development — and a powerful reminder of how student creativity can make a real impact.

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