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Advice on the next step in my Health and Safety Career
Rank: New forum user 
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I am a qualified health and safety advisor with two years experience, seeking work in the UK. I am currently having trouble finding employment as my qualifications are French and are not being recognised by employers.
I have recently become a Tech IOSH, and while this is a step forward I still feel that I need to go further. I have been considering studying for the NEBOSH diploma as at most failed interviews the fact that I haven’t got the diploma is the reason I am given. This is frustrating as my University Degree matches the NEBOSH or NVQ level 4 in health and safety.
I would like to know if anyone has any ideas of the best way to get the NEBOSH Diploma, and also if there is any financial support for people in my situation.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Have you spoken to the IOSH membership Department about your French qualifications - they should be able to advise on what UK qualification they are the equivalent of, [get it in writing, so you can use it with job applications], and also advise on how [if required/necessary] you may best 'upgrade' them to the Diploma level
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Rank: Forum user
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HI Damien
I can empathasie. I arrived here 10 years ago and was told that my Masters degree plus an MBA a teaching degree and other degress and 10 years in heavy industry for H&S plus occ health nursing were unsuitable and I would only get a job if I did the NEBOSH certificate!!!
Not much seems to have changed then. All I can say is hang in there and as the others suggested talk to IOSH. Also does your local IOSH meetings have someone who you can 'buddy' with or be your mentor to give you some face to face discussions. Whilst your paperwork may be suitable actually discussing your knowledge with someone may help to clarify and support your competency in the areas.
By the way I never did the NEBOSH - however I have had many jobs including being a consultant and teaching NEBOSH. Whilst I have never achieved the pay scales I did in Australia at Corporate level I haven't had too bad a time.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Most h & s jobs in the uk nowadays will ask for NEBOSH Quals or equilvalent from a traineeship to h & s director level ( like it or loath it ). Other countries will probably be different.
You may have to do an NEBOSH Gen / Construction Cert or Dip inorder to get initially recognised by employers if you want to work in the UK.
John
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Rank: New forum user
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I would like to thank all of you for your help.
I will definately start by speaking to the IOSH membership department regarding the equivalence and like Sheryl suggested, to find someone to be my mentor.
John, I understand that this is the minimum requirement. I would love to take my NEBOSH diploma, but one problem (that might not have been clear in my first post) is that my current financial situation does not allow me to take the course.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be the best way to get financial help toward the NEBOSH diploma course?
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Rank: New forum user
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Damien,
You should consider having your overseas qualifications assessed for UK equivalence by 'UK Naric'. I had to do this to obtain a working visa. I sent this letter with my CV and was successful in obtaining employment. I do not have any Nebosh qualifications but a masters degree obtained overseas.
Good luck,
Ben
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