Posted By W Murdoch I've just left the Royal Navy after over 20 years as a marine engineer, and trying to career change. I've taken the Gen.Cert and waiting for the results in mid August.I did the Workplace Risk and COSHH assessor courses back in 2001 and have been responsible for assessments/awareness ever since. Can I use this as evidence for Tech membership? Also I'll be looking for work abroad UAE,Eastern Europe,Global, but will I need to get experience in the UK first? I'd be really grateful for any help, Thanks William

Posted By Darby Allan William I had a very similar background 27 years as a submariner and can firmly endorse your view that this is a good career path. NGC is OK and will give you enough to get started and if you look carefully at some of the job specs then an NGC can land you a good job with a good salary. Your engineering/maintenance/working with contractors experience is also a major plus when it comes to taking things forward. So you can use the NGC to enhance your engineering CV or use it as a step towards bigger and better things. If you want to progress fully then CMIOSH should be your aspiration - whatever route (I took and would recommend Diploma as the benchmark qualification) Once CMIOSH the opportunities are wide open. Don't forget that environment is often an important factor so IEMA certificate is also extremely useful additional qual. Lastly try to get some additional experience before leaving the mob, pick the brains of the local HSE guys Good luck Darby