Posted By Dan1000 I'm currently working for a major food manufacturer as a Health & Safety Officer, I've been there for almost a year. Unfortunately the salary isn't quite what enough. (£17,000!) apart from my BSC in Chemistry, I've got a Risk assessment qualification, CIEH Advanced Health & Safety Certificate and I'm also a trained Fire Warden. I realise the passport to better pay would be to have a NEBOSH Certificate, but the company won't finance it and on my current pay I simply can't afford it!!! Please help! I'm willing to work anywhere in the North West or Midlands to find that elusive job...

Posted By Julie Geairns Hi there I studied for the NEBOSH General Certificate without any outside assistance at all - I just bought the handbook that goes with the certificate (£40) and the last three years examiners reports from the NEBOSH site (£6 a go). I've just passed and what's more I got a distinction in both of the written exams. So you don't need to spend a fortune but you do have to study hard. I studied from the middle of January through to the middle of June when I took the exam so it was five months' hard work - but well worth it. Hope this helps Julie

Posted By Linda Westrupp With a BSc in Chemistry you may be able to go straight to the Diploma which is the professional qualification (the Cert. is really only a basic first step), try your local colleges as they may have more reasonable rates for this. For an unqualified trainee that it really not a bad salary. Some people with MIOSH,RSP (and Dip1 and 2) are still only on £20-22,000, it depends where you are in the country. Good luck and keep trying! Linda

Posted By Dan1000 Thanks to everyone who posted a response - much appreciated and you all gave me lots to think about... Dan