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Jscotland  
#1 Posted : 28 August 2013 15:39:34(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Jscotland
Hi

I'm a young HSE Advisor who is looking to progress my career.
I achieved the NEBOSH general certificate 2 years ago and am now looking to take on my next challenge.
I don't know which course to do, the NVQ level 5 or the NEBOSH diploma.
I have the ability to achieve either but keep getting a mixed view on which course to do.
If anyone was going to employ an advisor which would be a more desirable qualificatio?
All comments are apreciated

Jamie
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Jake  
#2 Posted : 28 August 2013 16:13:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jake
This is probably more suited to the careers or study support forum, in anycase do you have any other qualifications? Degree etc?

I'd suggest the NEBOSH Diplioma has more clout out of the 2 quals suggested., though I have neither (and will never go that route) and I've worked in occupational HSSE for 4years now.

Have you considered HSSE relevant degrees (distance learning / part-time etc.) as an alternative?
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Mr.Flibble  
#3 Posted : 28 August 2013 17:55:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Mr.Flibble
Are you good at exams, revising losing a year or two of your life then the Diploma is for you, if however your not and your currently in a H&S Role go for the NVQ5, they both give you the same level of qualification and both allow you to apply for CMIOSH.
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hilary  
#4 Posted : 29 August 2013 08:25:01(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary
Each route has advantages and disadvantages, I was not good at exams so took the NVQ, but others who excel at exams would extol the virtues of the Diploma - horses for courses as they say.
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Jscotland  
#5 Posted : 30 August 2013 12:53:13(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Jscotland
Thanks everyone.
It's a tough desision as I want to get the qualification that will help me most.
I'm thinking the NVQ route now as I can tie this in with my daily work but my collegue is an ex NEBOSH diploma teacher so there may never be a better time to do it
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Lummy  
#6 Posted : 02 September 2013 12:47:19(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Lummy
I did the NEBOSH certificate and have just completed the NVQ Level 5 Diploma, I would say the NVQ for me was the better decision as it gave me hands on experience and not the brain drain of the academic route.
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rob clarke  
#7 Posted : 02 September 2013 14:48:42(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
rob clarke
My understanding of the two courses is that the NVQ relies upon you submitting evidence of your ability to perform your curent job to gain the qualification whilst the NEBOSH route is an academic understanding of general health and safety matters.

From an employers perspective (and discounting any other experience) the NVQ candidate is capable of performing the role provided it is not too different to the one they are already in. The NEBOSH candidate brings a good all round knowledge of health and safety but no proof that they can apply the knowledge to the role.

Experience will smooth over the differences but from a personal point of view I think the NEBOSH route offers a better foundation to build upon when you are in a role.
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HSE Chris Wright  
#8 Posted : 17 September 2013 19:32:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
HSE Chris Wright
it's very difficult to answer this question - if i was looking for a policy writer / office health and safety advisor then probably someone with a diploma, however if i waned some one who was practical and actually knew how to do the job on the park so to speak and knew how to deal with operatives then i would go NVQ.

what qualification to go for depends to me on what kind of advisor you want to be and in what industry.

I work in heavy construction building power stations, energy from wastes, biomass etc and just having a diploma would do you no favours at all

I hold the NVQ and Diploma through personal choice, I love the practical side but you do need extensive knowledge but you do not need a certificate to prove your knowledge
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PIKEMAN  
#9 Posted : 23 September 2013 09:59:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PIKEMAN
IMHO the NVQ route will show that you can put the theory into practice.


However in employability terms - go for the Dip every time. How often do you see job adverts that ask for NVQs? Whereas loads of adverts ask for NEBOSH Dip ............
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amandaluby  
#10 Posted : 24 September 2013 11:43:25(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
amandaluby
Hi,

I did the NVQ route although I really wanted to do the Diploma, my work would not allow me the time out to do the diploma. The only thing with the NVQ is that you need to be really strict with yourself, otherwise, it really builds up. In the end, I was glad I took this option and I felt like I has achieved a good portfolio with work. I am now working towards the PG Diploma in Safety and Risk Management as a distance learning. The other thing with the NVQ is that if you are looking at working towards CM status, you don't have to submit a portfolio of work to IOSH, where as you do if you take the Diploma.

Hope it helps :)
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Bert  
#11 Posted : 24 September 2013 12:43:58(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Bert
Hi all,

I too am in the same junction of trying to decide which of the two to pursue. I wish i had the time and the bosses' approval to take time out to study the Diploma. It is the desirable qual out of the two IMO.

The NVQ does, for me, have the advantage as amandaluby mentions of having a portfolio already in place when working towards CMIOSH.

The interesting point is looking beyond these quals. A number of Master courses will take the Diploma as entry to the last year. However, the NVQ appears not to have the same standing. And yet it is said by many (not my opinion!!) that they are equal!! ( i will now be ready to receive a barrage of "no it isnt!!" lol). Just to raise a point on the last post, it appears that Strathclyde did not accept the NVQ as entry to their last year (this may just be one reason of many depending on the person!!!). What was and is the thinking behind this as this doesnt appear consistent across the many university establishments???!!!

Any thoughts? ;)
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amandaluby  
#12 Posted : 24 September 2013 13:10:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
amandaluby
Hi Bert,

Strathclyde University do accept the NVQ as entry. I am about to start the PG Diploma in October with them, straight from the NVQ (as long as you are in a job role that is relevant for the course). I study the PG Diploma for 1 year the move on to the Masters Dissertation for 1 year also. I have noticed a lot more recently that job vacancy advertise for NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent so maybe the NVQ is now starting to get noticed a little more! :)
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Bert  
#13 Posted : 24 September 2013 17:44:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Bert
Hi amandaluby,

Oh right, that's good then!! However, my suggestion is that NVQ is not as readily accepted as entry into the final year (3rd year of a MSc) like the Diploma is. It's great to see (and encouraging)that you were accepted to year 2 (PG diploma) with the NVQ. Of which I wish you all the best with.

I am seriously leaning more and more to the NVQ as I see my working life being at my current employer. But who knows what the future holds.

Good luck to you and to the originator of this thread....and to all!!!

Bert
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