Posted By George Wedgwood I am unsure what age you are Louise, but I am sure you must have already learned a lot abot life in general. Much of 'safety' is about understanding what could affect people's everyday working life and simple things like someone tripping up a stair may sound funny as an ordinary employee but if you have the brain to look at it a little bit deeper, and find it interesting to try and understand why - you may just make a good practitioner! It is this quest for protecting people and a thirst for understanding that I find as great motivators for good safety people. However, once you find you have a 'calling', where do you go from here? Certainly, the education is necessary and the NEBOSH 'Cert' is a great start. It is not very difficult if you have passed exams before and if you stick at it, you will soon see if you are cut out for safety! Then, get a 'sponsor' - i.e. an employer who may help you to move ahead with practice and study for the Diploma - because you will not become a full Practitioner until you meet that requirement or you take the NVQ route (details on IOSH Website). Employers like mine sometimes take trainees so long as they have a basic qualification. Otherwise, you may have to take a different type of job where it is possible to be involved with some safety management whilst you are studying. Jobs like being a supervisor, or having some responsibility for a few people could be helpful. One sector that needs good people at all levels is the rail industry so that could be a career entry point. Keep looking and remember it's all about selling yourself and your enthusiasm!