Hi Gemma,
I'm currently on the IOSH level 3 HSE apprenticeship course and am happy to answer any questions you might have.
Benefits:
The benefits on the apprenticeship, I think, will highly depend on your employer. The apprenticeship course will teach you plenty of the theory, like how to make a risk assessment, the components of a H&S management system, how to conduct an investigation etc. But the true benefits will come from guided application in the workplace, where you are likely expected to have little H&S knowledge.
The apprenticeship also sets you up to make a potential big impact on the workplace and give you a chance to get some valuable experience. As part of the apprenticeship, you will have to manage a project that makes an improvement to the workplace. What that is will be completely up to you.
Once finished you will have x amount of years experience and a qualification, which will help you look for new employment.
Pitfalls:
As an apprentice your pay will likely be quite low.
Apprenticeships are heavily dependent on your employer. Your employer must give you so many hours of training throughout your apprenticeship. If you don't get those hours of training, you will not be allowed to start the end point assessment. They must give you the ability to complete an improvement project; part of that include having a budget you control.
The course is all theory and a good employer that gives you the chance to implement anything you learn will be needed to make the most of the apprenticeship.
The NEBOSH General is widely recognised and sometimes appears on job adverts as mandatory. I would personally argue that it isn't necessary, but I'm not the recruiter.
The apprenticeship takes a while to complete, but a NEBOSH General could be done much sooner depending on your personal circumstances.
Other Comments:
I won't comment any more on the NEBOSH General, as I am only part way through mine. But, you could always do both the apprenticeship and the NEBOSH if you wanted. If you already have experience as a H&S assistant, a NEBOSH might be the way to go. Apprenticeships are designed for people with no experience. Your previous experience and a NEBOSH should be enough to land an entry level job.
I don't believe a degree is necessary at all, many of the H&S people I have spoken to don't have one. Your degree in environmental health will be a massive bonus when it comes to finding a career in H&S as most employers like to add environment to the role. Also, don't undersell any other work experience you have; many of the good ideas for improvement of H&S come from the people doing the tasks.
Best of luck in your career journey.
Mathew
PS - Apprenticeships come with plenty of deadlines. I have just missed a certain one and I think it's giving a bad impression.
Edited by user 29 January 2024 15:14:32(UTC)
| Reason: PS