Posted By Andrew Cartridge I would ask for opinions from the forum, when you see adverts for positions stating must have NEBOSH or must have NVQ 4 etc does it give you the impression that the majority of employers don’t really know what they want when it comes to qualified safety personnel. Personally, I went the NVQ route, due to 25 years in the industry & my loathing of the classroom environment, however, colleagues went the NEBOSH route, as they were not in full time H&S positions. Does it really matter which route is taken ? when are they going to see the light. I look forward to an “interesting” discussion. Regards Andy Cartridge

Posted By Jasonjg I don't think its going to get much better over the next couple of years lol should be fun listening to the stories though. The New Nebosh level 4 will then be in demand. Taking that already most people think that the Dip 2 is old and redundant yet exams for it are due to continue till 2008. I cannot wait till I enter the Job market with a Dip 2 and then be told I am not good enough because I am two levels behind dip level 4 (already had a discussion on this today and it is annoying) As I am a self-funder and have already paid for the dip 2 and cannot afford the conversion I am stuck with it. My only hope is the New IOSH membership structure and CPD. Hopefully this will filter to the Job Market and potential employers. I totally agree it neither here or there what qualification you gained Nebosh/NVQ but more as to what type of person you are.

Posted By Stuart Nagle Andrew. I think it all boils down to; 1) A lack of understanding of the H&S qualifications system by employers; 2) Employees advising HR departments on what quals the new/additional employee should have!!; 3) not enough done by 'Profesional Bodies' to establish the learning credentials of OEH&S Professionals; 4) Agencies 'recommeding' qualification standards for applicants!! If you have been privvy to previous postings on this site you may be aware that the highest percentage of persons seeking membership of IOSH do so with 'higher educational' qualfications (i.e first or higher degrees), the second largest group are those with NVQ4 and the lowest percentage of persons joining IOSH are those with NEBOSH qualifications. This speaks volumes for the qualifications criteria, for example: A) That most people recognise that a higher educational qualification may be sought for the best jobs - so they get a higher qualification!! B) That vocational qualifications, for those already employed within the field are maybe more apt, by way of job/work experienced levels etc C) That NEBOSH may be too expensive, or becoming a less sought after qualification by employees seeking qualification/advancement or that employers budgets may not run to the £000's demanded for NEBOSH courses!!

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In order to establish that I am not knocking any course, I state that personal preference is of course a factor in all training, who you choose to go with is your choice.... and of course a person may excel or fail any course depending on their knowledge, experience, training, committment etc etc.... So no sour grapes please anyone, after all I'm only expressing facts (as IOSH membship figures reveal) and my opinion.... Regards... Stuart