Posted By Bob Burton
At present I am in full time employment with 26 years working in Warehousing and Distribution. I have a proven track record in writing and delivering H&S training documentation which has been approved by Environmental Health (I did a 45min Power-point presentation to 14 EHO’s and showed them our documentation as "best practice"). My main strengths are 12 years experience as a qualified Mechanical Handling Equipment Instructor (ITSSAR), 5 years as part of the risk assessment team (not full time) and H&S trainer. I have recently completed NEBOSH general certificate and are quietly confident that I will pass.

I am extremely comfortable in a training environment. I believe I am a good communicator with the ability to engage interest and involvement of the trainees (I get so angry when I sit a course and the Instructor has no idea how to do this. More recently, I sat an accredited RSPH 1 day food hygiene course, and the instructor sat at the back and read from a book???)

Recently I have started working part time for a small business consultant working in the field of HR and between us we are looking to expand his business heavily into H&S advice/training (we have generated work already). One of my first assignments was to write a Manual Handling course for a removals company which the consultant has somehow given it to a HSE inspector for approval. (I wait with baited breath)

I have put together 2 year plan for my personal development which includes gaining an accreditation for delivering CIEH training courses and a NEBOSH Diploma. I already have a budget for the initial courses. Any income generated from my part time work will be put straight back into qualifications. I am also looking at becoming a qualified Noise assessor. On completion of this 2 year plan, I hope I would have gained sufficient qualifications/experience to leave my full time employment and find a more suitable H&S position either with the consultant I am currently working with (subject to sufficient work) or another company. Whichever company/consultancy I will work for, I would be looking to set up as a CIEH approved training provider.

Could anyone let me know if they think what I am looking at is achievable? In my mind (which is keeping me awake at night) I am looking at a very strong career in H&S Consultancy/Training, but, as a realist, I'm sure there must be pitfalls that I cannot see.

I would be extremely interested to hear from anyone who has taken this path and perhaps mentor me.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Bob (Based in the South West)

Posted By Bob Burton
Clare, thanks for the advice.

It looks as though my grammar has let me down on the "gaining an accreditation for delivering CIEH training courses and a NEBOSH Diploma". It isn't my intention to deliver a NEBOSH Diploma, only to achieve one myself to give myself more credibility and prove competence.

Looking at some of the other threads, I can see consultancy is not going to be easy. Thinking in more depth, my strongest asset has to be my experience in training.

Taking your advice, I have written to one of the large training organisations to see if they would consider weather I have the right credentials to start now, or what more they would need to consider me (e.g.CIEH).

As regards the insurance, I have a friend who is an independent FLT Instructor who is happy to advise me. (I have considered FLT training but would prefer H&S)

Would still like to hear anyone else's opinions

Bob

Posted By Bob Burton
Thanks Karen, I have already discussed a professional teaching qualification with our local college and it is something I am considering.

Looking at the other threads, I am probably more fortunate than most in that I have spare time during the week and able to gain 1st hand experience working with a consultancy. The consultant I am working for is happy for me to develop my competencies as I see fit bearing in mind anything I can't do, he will bring in others to cover. I probably will be a regular to this forum for further advice.

I think my first step is to gain a professional manual handling qualification and the CIEH professional trainers cert. Could anyone suggest a professional manual handling qualification that will back up my 5 years experience. I will be looking to train Manual Handling and conduct manual handling risk assessments.

More long term, I will look at gaining a NEBOSH diploma and look at teaching entry level H&S for supervisors/managers risk assessors etc.

I'm looking forward to going to the safety expo in Birmingham in May and will make a b-line to the CIEH stand.

Bob