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NEBOSH Diploma versus Work Experience
Rank: Forum user 
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Hi
I am trying to work out the best way to secure an HSE role and was hoping for some advice on how I could enhance my chances.
My background is 20 years emergency services (Fire) and the last 2 1/2 years working as a trainer delivering training on and offshore in the north sea and West Africa. I am an A1 assessor and have my NEBOSH Gen Cert. I deliver a wide range of safety related training ranging from COSSH to rigging and lifting (and many others!)
I have project management experience from my career in the fire service and also experience of developing operational procedures, risk assessments etc.
The problem is I have never held a "direct" HSE role so to speak and this is where I am struggling to decide if I was to do the NEBOSH Diploma, would this enhance my chances, or would the fact I have never held a direct HSE position still be the biggest hurdle?
I just wondered if any members had been in a similar position and how they overcame it?
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hello I haven't been in this position but as a senior manager have recruited someone who had the General Cert with no H&S role experience as he was the best person at interview. To answer your question it is very difficult to give an answer as it would depend as to what roles you were applying for. If the roles were in similar industries to your experience, assuming you can get through the door with a good CV, you should be able to Wow at interview with your experience without having the Diploma. Sadly it is often the case that recruiters are not H&S experts and insist on the diploma or even CMIOSH for junior roles as that is what they have been told they need to ask for and the role doesn't require this level of qualification and they then can't recruit good people who can do the job.
Not sure if this helps. As a recruiter I would also look to see if someone was willing to work towards the Diploma as a good thing
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi. Thanks for responding to my post and your advice. The roles I am looking at are HSE Advisor or HSE Coordinator. I think a lot of people (as you probably know) want to get into safety roles and the competition is fierce! So that's what I am considering, how best to at least get my CV onto the shortlist for interview. With the recruiters, which as you know many companies utilise, this can be the stumbling block. Since I left the fire service I have had 3 safety training positions. 3 interviews =3 jobs. Now if only it was as easy for HSE roles! Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated.
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Rank: Forum user
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It is so hard to make the judgement between experience and formal education, however looking at vacancies more and more are wanting Diploma as a minimum for any sort of managerial role.
I can see the attraction of this as the Diploma is so much more in-depth than the General Cert but if employers are after specific requirements for a role not having the qualification can at times make your CV less attractive. The market is so competitive (as it always seems to have been) trying to get in the door for an interview is hard.
Case of a recent post for a HS Advisor, they demanded a degree level education. The recruitment process which was online wouldn't let you continue unless you had that level of education. Is that fair? Who knows, I have my own opinions but the market has certainly changed in my view with a demand for more formal education.
Jo
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Jo. I am considering doing the Diploma. Yes it's going to take me some time because I'm looking at the distance learning option. I can at least add "working towards NEBOSH Diploma" on my CV and in a couple of years I will hopefully have the qualification. It's that same old story of once you get your first break into an HSE role, you can progress, but getting that first start is the first barrier! I wanted to gauge other members opinions and both of you have pretty much confirmed what my gut feeling was. Thanks again.
Graeme
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Rank: Guest
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Silberfee wrote:It is so hard to make the judgement between experience and formal education, however looking at vacancies more and more are wanting Diploma as a minimum for any sort of managerial role.
I can see the attraction of this as the Diploma is so much more in-depth than the General Cert but if employers are after specific requirements for a role not having the qualification can at times make your CV less attractive. The market is so competitive (as it always seems to have been) trying to get in the door for an interview is hard.
Case of a recent post for a HS Advisor, they demanded a degree level education. The recruitment process which was online wouldn't let you continue unless you had that level of education. Is that fair? Who knows, I have my own opinions but the market has certainly changed in my view with a demand for more formal education.
Jo Nothing wrong with the old NVQ4 (now NVQ5) which they say is equivalent to a degree - but we have had this debate on the forum ad nauseum. Rich
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Rank: Forum user
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Rich777
Defiantly not, I think either or but there is the demand for education.
ggm1968
I am currently studying distance learning and its hard to juggle all the other things in your life as well as study. Good luck in your endeavours and hope you get to where you want to be.
Jo
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Rank: Super forum user
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Graeme
Yes trying to get a health and safety role is very difficult as your up against fellow professionals with experience in the
role advertised, worked with similar organisations and more qualifications however if you perceiver you can managed to get on the health and safety ladder. On the distant learning diploma this can be achieved quickly or by taking your time it's up to the individual, I managed to complete in about 14 month so it can be done
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Rich and good luck with the Diploma Jo.
Yes safety man, that's the problem I have and that's why I am looking at the best/most effective option to progress. Some employers value qualifications higher, others seem to value experience in that way, that's the tricky bit of course. So I wanted to gauge members opinions on whether having the Diploma on your CV would increase your chances of being selected for interview.
14 months to complete the Diploma must have been tough! That's an amazing achievement, well done and thanks again for your reply.
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