Rank: Super forum user 
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I am considering completing an NVQ Level 4
Would this give me enough for a Grad IOSH membership working towards a CMosh or am I looking the wrong way?
I have both NEBOSH General & Construction and am currently a technical member
To realise my full potential I need further qualifications
Have I made the correct choice
any advice would be appreciated
Alan
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Rank: Super forum user 
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NVQ Level 4 allows GradIOSH membership Alan, and on succesful completion of your IPD and peer interview you get CMIOSH,
John
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Rank: Super forum user
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As to the second half of your question; have you made the correct choice? Well, you have certainly chosen a respected qualification route which will get you to CMIOSH in the fullness of time, but the choice between NVQ and taught Dip/BSc is more about how you learn and what you value. If you prefer accumulation of evidence to sitting exams, the NVQ is right. I understand that it's not any easier than say the NEBOSH Dip, which is presumably why it is rated as roughly equivalent.
From an employment perspective, there is occasional mention of bias against NVQ in favour of Dip, but all I can say with my manager's hat on is that I would happily employ somebody with NVQ4, and it's the IOSH grade I look for, rather than the specific qualification route.
Anyway, enjoy your studies, hope it is the right choice for you,
John
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks John
I have found some funding for the NVQ route as apposed to the taught dip/BSc - hence its about price in my case
NVQ Level 4 to achieve more opportunities to better myself is my main concern I am determined to get it just concerned I was not going the correct way - now happy with my descision thanks
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Rank: Guest
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Alan - in my opinion you have chosen wisely. I went the NVQ4 route and learnt an awful lot besides submitting evidence. The evidence you have to produce goes into more depth and because it is practical based means your H&S systems and procedures become more robust and meaningful - which benefits you from a knowledge point of view and your company from a better management system.
Good Luck
Joe
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Rank: Forum user 
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Alan,
Without a shade of a doubt you have made the right decision. To add to the already good points mate a few thoughts....
Speaking as one who completed NVQ4 last May, it did me the world of good professionally. Aside from your question regarding Grad. IOSH which in its self is a great thing there are many other benefits.
As its work based while you are gathering your evidence you will undoubtedly come across things that need changing or updating, I know I certainly did and to some extent you may end up implementing new things based on the requirements of the evidence – All beneficial.
Equally you will learn new skills, my provider had me do 9 domain knowledge assignments, (based on perceived weak areas) and as it transpires they were right, mine were mostly UK legislation an area I have little experience and even less interest, but extremely valuable as a learning tool. Another thing it brought me was self criticality, by completing your reflections you have to critically evaluate your evidence in terms of how it meets the NVQ criteria.
One mistake I made was initially putting the NVQ down in its entirety towards on my CPD record it was only later I realised it was a whole lot more valuable putting it down unit by unit, which I subsequently did.
Finally your video presentation can be adjusted slightly and used for your IOSH peer interview, in some ways it’s a bit of a practice run.
The whole NVQ v Diploma debate has been discussed ad nausem on many other threads, at the end of the day its horses for courses and what suits the individual, the only thing I’d say try to think of the NVQ not only as a route to Grad IOSH but also as a huge opportunity to improve and develop your workplace skills.
Hope this helps
Rgs
Ian
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Rank: Forum user
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As Ian has rightly said,
The NVQ develops not only yourself but finds weaknesses in your own organisation. You may find new methods of working, things that are good that the assessor learns from, and weaknesses where you can contribute to improvements. NVQ's are a three way partnership (trainee, employer, training provider). I see them as a development tool. Since completing my NVQ I have noted an improvement in documentation, better quality work/systems now (costing the company less money), and better knowledge throughout the organisation. My suggestion would be while you are doing the NVQ make the most of it, you will not get a better opportunity to develop good systems and practices.
regards
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Rank: New forum user
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Alan - I'm half way through the NVQ 4 (by distance learning) at the moment and have to say I am really enjoying it. It is challenging but very rewarding - even though I have been working in an H&S role for 7 years with a large company, it has really broadened my knowledge and taken me out of my "comfort zone." Luckily I have a supportive manager who has encouraged me to work on new projects in order to get the experience and evidence required for the NVQ, so it has been beneficial to the company as well as my own personal development. I would say it's definitely a good choice if you want to further your career in H&S.
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Rank: Forum user 
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Alan
I can not recommend the NVQ route enough! I completed mine in July (took just over 12 months) achieved Grad IOSH status in August, and I am about to start a new job as a consultant in the next couple of weeks.
This was all down to the NVQ. Other posters are right, it does force you to examine your Co. systems and procedures. I found that I learnt so much about my own competencies, strengths and weaknesses.
PM me if you would like to know more about my provider (distance learning).
DHM
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Rank: Forum user
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Alan
You do not indicate you employement status at the moment, and assuming you are employed then all routes to GradOSH are valid.
If you don't have a job at the moment, the NVQ route becomes a little bit more challenging, perhaps not impossible, but certainly difficult as it is really centred around the working environment.
Taking that forward, in these diffcult times, if you are made redundant during the period of the NVQ you may have your work cut out trying and finish it. In that respect, the more traditional study route offers a degree (if you'll pardon the pun) of certainty. But overall, as has been said, the best route is the one that suits you and your pocket!
enjoy whichever route you take
Stuart
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Rank: Super forum user
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quote=wstuarth]Alan
You do not indicate you employement status at the moment, and assuming you are employed then all routes to GradOSH are valid.
If you don't have a job at the moment, the NVQ route becomes a little bit more challenging, perhaps not impossible, but certainly difficult as it is really centred around the working environment.
Taking that forward, in these diffcult times, if you are made redundant during the period of the NVQ you may have your work cut out trying and finish it. In that respect, the more traditional study route offers a degree (if you'll pardon the pun) of certainty. But overall, as has been said, the best route is the one that suits you and your pocket!
enjoy whichever route you take
Stuart Valid point Stuart However I am in full time employment as a H&S Manager for a construction company and will utilise my experiences and hopefully achieve my goal within a year is my target. I need to move my career forward and although I have the experience I know I need the further qualifications to help me achieve a better position with more prospects. I can then start to look for opportunities with main contractors once I have achieved GRADIOSH and then work towards CMIOSH after two years (its my personnel 3 year plan) Hopefully I can keep my job during these turbulent times hence speed is of the essence otherwise I will have lost a significant amount of money (failure is not an option) Thanks Alan
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Rank: Forum user 
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Its a wise decision, it will take time but dont forget, you will still have to go through the Open assessment, that is based on NEBOSH papers. but at least it would be an open book but still needs a lot of research and study.
Good luck
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Alan,
I'm considering the same options as yourself, would you mind giving me some more information on the funding and how I can enquire about the funding myself?
Which company have you used?
Many thanks,
Paul.
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Rank: Super forum user
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northwalessafety wrote:Hi Alan,
I'm considering the same options as yourself, would you mind giving me some more information on the funding and how I can enquire about the funding myself?
Which company have you used?
Many thanks,
Paul. Hi Paul If you are in construction I asked my CITB representative to help me find funding and I was fortunate to find some funding. However CITB do offer £275 + 10% achievement grant so this also helped. If you pm me your e-mail address I will let you know who I got funding from and see if they can help you Cheers Alan
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