Posted By Gareth Smith My career has taken me through nearly 20 years working as a crane operator in the heavy engineering industry, i am looking to diversify into the Health & safety aspect as a career change. H&S has been a big player within my career, and my knowledge is quite considerable in relation to this. I currently hold an appointed persons licence, this is a broad based qualification in relation to the lifting industry, covering many issues, risk asessments, berthing studies, controling hazards, lift execution, man management, L.O.L.E.R regulations, etc etc. i am wanting to further my self by going to college and studying, possibly (national construction safety & health) NEBOSH and the management of safety & health MIOSH, any professional body that reads through these posts, could you give me some information regarding qualifications required to secure future employment as H&S advisor, or H&S officer. many thanks for your time and efforts

Posted By Richard Poole Hi Gareth, The NEBOSH National General Certificate (NGC) is a good starter but Dips 1 @2 are indeed a long way around, especially as NEBOSH don't currently recognise the NGC as prior learning. I am currently going through Woodland Grange's Diploma in Health & Safety Practice which is the equivalent to the NEBOSH Dip 1 in that it is the acedemic qualification for IOSH TechSP qualification. The difference to Dip 1 is that it does use the NGC as prior learning and hence the Woodland Grange course is just 10 days at college with a further exam day and a work-based assignment. Beyond that, for corporate membership of IOSH, Woodland Grange run the Diploma in H&S Management which could be taken on to an MSc if you so desired! Take a look at the website http://www.wgrange.com/ or call them for more information on 01926 336621. I have no interest in Woodland Grange other than being a very satisfied delegate. Best regards, Richard

Posted By Richard Poole Hi Gareth, Thank you .... However .... The Woodland Grange Management Diploma is still a 28 day course in 5 modules. So, whilst it is possible for you to complete the Diploma in Safety Practice by the summer, it will take another academic year to get all the contact time at Woodland Grange over the 5 modules. I trust I did not mislead you there? Regards, Richard