Posted By Paul Tidswell I'm after a bit of advice on what direction I should go in. I have been very interested in Health and Safety and took the NEBOSH general certificate as I left the RAF. Now I have been a fire fighter for the last 26 years (22 with the RAF and four on a contract). To stay current I took on the role of Health and Safety Rep for the fire station as I hated my general cert going to waste. I have only just become a member of IOSH as affiliate but am hoping to go further with this. The thing is I'm stuck in a rut - as a fire fighter I can go no further (small contract, dead man shoes advancement). I even have excellent IT skills and design and develope databases and spreadsheets (unfortunately all self taught so not certified skills - although the company does give me a bonus for the programs I develop) but it still hasn't got me anywhere. So now I am considering taking my NEBOSH Diploma but the financial cost is proving to be quite a hurdle (could ask the company to help but this is very unlikely as not required for a fire fighter and safety rep). As you can understand I would probably have to take the distant learning option for my diploma if I can raise the money. Unfortunately if I seek alternate employment with just my certificate I would have to take a pay cut especially in the Lincoln area. Any advice would be more than welcome.

Posted By MP Grayson That's a good question to be answered above. A question from me is, can you commit to a Diploma? I put in an average of 2 hours per night and more at weekends. I did 25 years for Betty and I'm willing to talk about costs, funding etc plus what other qualities you should be shouting about such as experiences delivering fire training (during annual CCS), or fire extinguisher maintenance. Not willing to discuss them here on an open forum. I MAY even know where there is a job going and its on your door step. But don't tell anyone. Crack on.

Posted By Kevin McAughrey Hello Paul, Like yourself I was in the RAF and I know the concerns involved with leaving. The thing is, you have a lot of desirable skills before your health and safety, your expertise in Fire Fighting, your also ex-forces (Reliable, Loyal, etc) and what ever else you have accommplished during your resettlement. With that already I think you would be suited for Offshore Work or in the Oil and Gas industry, it's good money and usually involves only working 6 months a year with 40K + Salaries. Take a look at some of the HSE jobs in www.oilcareers.com and if you need any guidance just let me know. Good luck. Kev

Posted By Di Clarke Hiya I'm not sure how long ago you left the RAF, but have you not got any funding left to use from the military e.g Enhanced Learning Credits?

Posted By Paul Tidswell Hi Di Sore point on that one as I missed out at the time of leaving only to find later that I could have (new customers only attitude!)! Hopefully I was in the minority for this as otherwise enjoyed my career so no hard feelings! Hi Nutty Known quite a few colleagues who did this, did not quite get a positive result. OK, if you have a good client base but generating this can take time and the outlay can prove expensive (i.e. training facilities, training aids, fire extinguishing media costs, environmental issues (contaminated unburnt fuel), etc.). You can do it on on the cheep but don't get caught!!! OK to teach the theory but the practical can be a pain! A fire is now no simple chemical reaction it has an environmental impact that must be taken into consideration! I'm afraid that option is too much of a gamble for me but thank you for your advice.

Posted By Jason Warren Paul, I currently work for a H&S Consultancy offering specialist advice to clients, we undertake H&S workplace inspections, do fire risk assessments, undertake the role of CDM co-ordinator, offer advice on Policies and arrangements etc etc. The main advantage of working for a consultancy is the salarys tend to be much better than being the H&S rep for an organisation. The opportunities for training are usually there as well and I have had a number of courses paid by my employer including NEBOSH Diploma. We currently have a number of positions available too if you might be interested, but would think about whether consultancy is right for you. The stress levels are high, but it works for me. If you are interested then send me your cv. Good luck in whatever you do. Kind Regards, Jason

Posted By Paul Tidswell Hi all, Just to say thanks for all the positive advice I have been given and that I have now started studying for my Diploma. Paul