Posted By Phil H I had the same problem some years ago. I funded the Diploma myself attending night school.It is worth doing if you can afford it as it gives you a stronger position should you want to apply for jobs within H+S ,or develop in your current job.You can also do most courses on line and use your present work place as examples when doing assignments etc.However I think face to face learning is invaluable because you get experience from lecturers and peers.Think about the Nebosh Certificates as a starter.They are recognised and will be sufficient for your present role and are cheaper than the diploma.If however you want to go full time safety practitioner you should aim for the Nebosh diploma or similar.What about specialising - Nebosh Environmental diploma. In a nutshell you can do it outside work. Phil

Posted By AMelrose Martin You could try the distance learning PG Certificate at Strathclyde Universtity. It's hard work and involves writing lots and lots of 500 word mini-essays (plus a few larger ones). Once you pass you can go on to do the Diploma which is again done by distance learning. You are assigned a tutor who will offer advice and mark your essays throughout. It does take commitment though as over Christmas and Easter when everyone else is enjoying themselves, you'll be stuck by the computer typing away!! You could try creating a business plan for completing the course e.g. how it would help the organisation you work for and ask if they would consider part funding (or allowing you a day per week for example to study). If you can create a watertight plan then you might get some help [the company I last worked for contributed something to the course and allowed me some time to study per week - though this gradually disappeared as the course progressed!]. Good luck.

Posted By Martin Jones Thanks for all the advice I think with the company having the lowest accident rate in its history and an award winning safety management system in place, It is hard to justify the cost and time off to send me on a diploma course when we are struggling in other areas of the business. Why pay for something they are already getting. With the working knowledge and experience that I have gained doing the job it would be nice to test myself by doing the diploma and then getting the reconition. I don't fancy the distance learning myself, but the night shcool sounds good. Dose anyone Know where I can do the nebosh deploma at night shcool in cheshire ??. ( I could stay on after the course cleaning to help fund the course )

Posted By Davelfc Martin I cannot see how they can stop youdoing NVQ if you fund yourself just do it. If you are undervalued move on Dave