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khurramm  
#1 Posted : 30 January 2025 22:15:54(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
khurramm

Hi everyone,

I recently moved to the UK (based in Coventry) and am looking to transition into a Health & Safety (HSE) role. I would appreciate any advice on the best route to secure my first HSE job in the UK.

My Background:

8 years of experience in the oil & gas industry (Saudi Arabia) ✅ Worked with SLB (Schlumberger) Saudi for 7 years as Field HSE Specialist ✅ Currently hold NEBOSH IGC (Level 3) & OTHM Level 6 Diploma and SLB Inhouse training ✅ Recently completed my MSC in International Business Management and want to establish my career in HSE

Seeking Advice On:

1️⃣ Best qualifications/certifications to improve employability in the UK job market (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH membership levels, other relevant courses?) 2️⃣ How to get my first HSE role in the UK (entry pathways, networking tips, CV improvements, recruitment agencies) 3️⃣ Is my experience in the oil & gas sector transferable? If so, how can I highlight it effectively to UK employers? 4️⃣ Would starting with a health & safety advisor/ officer role be the best approach?

I’m keen on working in industries like construction, manufacturing, or oil & gas, but I’m open to any opportunities that can help me establish my HSE career in the UK, willing to relocate anywhere in UK.

Any insights, personal experiences, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

peter gotch  
#2 Posted : 03 February 2025 14:38:55(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi khurramm

Your first posting here, so welcome to the Forums.

Lots of questions!

Your OTHM Level 6 Diploma (assuming in occupational H&S) meets the academic criterion for CertIOSH (formerly GradIOSH) and with your experience as an HSE professional in the field you should have the experience criterion as well to ask for an upgrade to CertIOSH if you haven't already done so.

Yes, you should have transferable skills to apply for jobs in the UK both in O&G but other sectors as well. 

Think about what the tasks that workers were faced with in your job in the Middle East whether you were working offshore and/or onshore, what the key risks associated with those tasks might have been and the methods adopted to mitigate the risks. Then think about how you can draw lessons from your experience to apply to comparable activities in other sectors.

You might need to consider what regulatory framework you were following either directly or as a guide when in the Middle East and perhaps do a gap analysis between what that required and what would apply in the UK - i.e. Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and supporting legislation and all the other stuff that applies e.g. for environmental protection.

You probably do NOT need any particular additional qualifications at this time, but be prepared to consider sector specific qualifications either when you get a job or if you see a need to get something to improve your chances in any specific sector.

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