Posted By James Gutridge hello, after gaining a degree and masters in sport science I would like to become involved in Health and Safety. I am looking to do the international NEBOSH cert to hopefully get me started working abroad. Is this a good course to get me started and what kind of jobs and salaries am I expected to get with this. I will obviously be looking to continue my learning experience by completing a diploma etc. Also, I am confused about the going rates for the course. One company has quoted me £350 for a distance learning course and another, £1850 for a 2 week intensive? can anyone give me any advice surrounding this? Thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you soon. James Gutridge

Posted By Pete Longworth As far as salaries are concerned that's purely down to what a given employer in a given area of the country and a given industry is willing to pay. We have had this discussion many times and the wildly differing responses that are given prove what I have just said. As for the NEBOSH certificate, in my view it is an excellent starting point. The reasons for the differing rates are: A 2 week course will by its very nature, usually be residential. Included in the cost will be hiring the venue and facilities, residential costs for the course tutor, costs of refreshments, maybe residential costs for the students (those these may be extra), course materials, exam fees, administrative etc. For distance learning the costs should be much lower eg maybe only administration and course materials. I have no idea of your preferred method of learning but when I did the NGC it was a 2 week residential course. I was lucky in that my employer met the costs. In your case, if you can afford it and feel confident in tackling a 2 week intensive course then go for it. The advantage over distance learning IMO is that you will be in a classroom environment where you will be able to learn as much from the experiences of the other students as you will from the course tutor. Anothe alternative is to find a local college that will do the NGC over a 13 week period. However you choose to progress good luck with your career.