Posted By Merv Newman Someone (JF) e-mailed me to ask what my route to CMIOSH was. The return e-mail didn't work so here is the answer. From 1970 to 1976 I worked for a degree with the Open University. BA. Soon after I got that I landed up as safety manager (no qualifications whatever for the job) In 1989 I was named European Safety consultant for Du Pont (still no qualifications) In 1990 my boss asked me to write up a CV for publicity purposes (they sometimes sold me to other companies) Then he asked me "How come you don't have any qualifications ? Must have something to put in the blurb" So I applied to IOSH. With the degree and more than 5 years on the job they made me a member. When CPD came in I started doing it and made RSP in 1995. (that also gave me an automatic FRHS, but I can't be bothered). Have kept up with the CPD ever since. Now, with no further effort on my part, (just doing my job, officer) they have made me CMIOSH. All the arguments on the TechIOSH thread(s) make me feel as if I have cheated somehow and should apologise. Shan't Those were the days, my friends, I thought they'd never end etc. Merv

Posted By Jonathan Sandler In reply to Ray's saga I can only say this, see my reply to question 4, what happend to questions 123? Keep working hard on the golf swing and you might just go far. From an 17 handicapper.

Posted By Merv Newman Stupendous man please come up with another name (ex; cecil, formerly known as stupendous man) I am sure that Hazel is hugely embarassed when she has to type that in. (And I am also sure that you in no way compare with her husband) Yeah, tell me about the OU. Six years, no telly, no social life, study installed in the loft, waking up at 3am to watch the broadcasts. One week each year at Leeds, Loughborough or Bangor university (remember getting trapped in the lift there, can't remember the academic content) Monthly computer-read academic assements. I do remember that my computer studies were on a landline to Hatfield University, teletype machine, rolls of paper, no screen, punched tape to record your programme. 6 YEARS later I bought a Sinclair ZX82 (still have it) Was it worth it ? Of course it was. sorry about this, TechIOSHs, but you have to keep plugging away. You may be on £20/25 000 this year but when you get CMIOSH you could go for £45/50 000 I've just been exchanging e-mails with a "head hunter" - H&S director for a booze firm in austria. And I'm asking for £50K minimum. To all those TechIOSH people out there : It could be Youu ! eventually Merv (love, kisses, group hugs, no apologies) I'm a Consultant. Trust me)

Posted By Richard Spencer I would like in brief share my story. In 1985 I gained a Certificate of Competency Marine Engineer Class 1, as a result of satisfying academic requirements and a government engineering examiner (3 hour oral). A part of the non academic study was that relating to safety and environment e.g. MARPOL, Safety and Survival at Sea, First Aid etc… Later as chief engineer I was with the master responsible for the safety of the ship, its crew and others whilst at sea and in port(s), when visitors were aboard. I left the seagoing life and became a Classification Society Marine Surveyor and was once again concerned with ship safety and health and welfare of those ships that I surveyed. Following this, I did a stint in the Royal Australian Navy as a Marine Engineering Officer and completed several postings aboard mainly support vessels. The remainder of my service was as OIC shore engineering support, due to my particular skills. In 1994, I began to think about the difference I could personally make in industry by combining my years of experience in hazardous engineering environments with academic qualifications specifically in OHS. I discharged the Navy and became an international safety auditor and spent about 6 months in Singapore auditing the safety of these shipyards against the Singapore Government regulations and industry protocols. Having enrolled and diligently pursued a goal, I was awarded a university safety degree. Following this I enrolled and studied and was awarded a university environmental science degree and following this I enrolled in a university graduate diploma in ergonomics. I would say that in total my time in tertiary study has probably been close to 9 years over the course of my working life. I am sure this is a story many could tell. It is a personal journey where at times I have suffered self doubt, rejection, significant worries about money, and burn out among others. The misconception among some TechSP that those who aspire to the professional chartered status are all, ‘young graduates fresh out of university’, is simply not true. The purpose of this contribution is to simply explain to those who now find themselves in the non corporate area of IOSH is to say, there is no easy way toward C or FMIOSH. You must diligently progress toward your goal, because without commitment and diligence you will not succeed. The time for debate is, I would suggest over. Looking backwards only serves to make one more disenchanted. I suggest take a ‘positive metal attitude’. The journey only starts when you take the first new step.