After leaving the Royal Air Force in 2024, ACT learner Emma Ludlow began her transition to a health and safety career by enrolling in the NEBOSH General Certificate, one of several qualifications she pursued through the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme (ELCAS) available to Armed Forces leavers.
What’s your current job role and what does it involve?
I am the Health and Safety Manager for HealthHero UK & Ireland and I am responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and patients, ensuring our policies reflect who we are as a company while also ensuring full compliance with legislation and that our infrastructure is physically safe to work in. I currently manage 7 HQ office locations and 4 base locations (shortly to increase to 8 HQ office locations and 9 base locations). I liaise with landlords to ensure correct documentation is in place, attend the offices at least once per year to complete annual health and safety audits, carry out risk assessments, and maintain a risk register as just a small sample of my duties.
What made you choose the NEBOSH General Certificate over other qualifications?
I already had IOSH qualifications through the RAF, and the General Certificate was the next natural step in levelling up my health and safety knowledge.
How has the e-learning method helped you to achieve your NEBOSH General Certificate?
As I was completing the qualification alongside leaving the RAF, moving home and parenting my girls (one of whom has been completing her GCSEs) having the flexibility to study when I am able to at my pace and around life was very helpful. It allowed me to replay anything I was unsure of and go back to modules for clarification at any time I needed it.
How did you approach preparing for your assessment?
I asked friends who had also completed the assessment how they found it. But also made sure I had plenty of rest and didn’t try to cram, I am a believer in if you know where to find the information then that is half the battle! So, I just made sure I had a good understanding of how the assessment was formatted, what was expected of me to ensure I didn’t miss anything vital before submitting and lots of snacks!
What were some of the challenges you faced in your studies?
Sometimes keeping the momentum going was tough, when you already have a full day, getting motivated to study isn’t always easy. And when distance learning that discipline to keep going needs to be in place otherwise you won’t get anywhere! But some days it was difficult. But ACT were really good if I was stuck with any aspects, I could send a message and get advice back as I was working through the modules.
You’ve also achieved the NEBOSH IIRSM Certificate in Managing Risk and the NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Managing Stress at Work – how have these qualifications informed your everyday role?
I was new to being a health and safety manager when I started these qualifications. I knew the basics from my IOSH and from the HSE guidance but as I worked through the modules, I found myself making lists of things to check that was enabling me to aim for best practice rather than ensuring the basics are in place. I have had input into risk policies and strategy as well as being able to give advice on how to spot stress in colleagues. I can give a more holistic approach to health safety and wellbeing, which is great as the role of a health and safety manager is so broad.
What advice would you give others preparing to leave the armed forces that are considering a career in health and safety?
Speak to the learning team on your Station, the RAF Brize Norton team gave me lots of help and advice in using my ELCAS points to the best outcome, getting three courses for one! Also, if you have completed any risk assessments as part of your role, be prepared to question how you were taught to complete them as NEBOSH like theirs written in a very specific way! But individuals leaving the Armed Forces are usually well placed to work in health and safety as we are disciplined and trained well to look at the risks of a situation. You will be suited to it if you can manage your time and even more so if you love a bit of admin in your life!
Do you have any final thoughts to share on your journey?
It certainly has been a bit of a shift in culture for me, after 22 years, and a military family it is all I have known. So, changing jobs, moving house, and leaving behind the one job I always wanted to do was a huge stress. A year later I can say though that with the support of family, friends, colleagues and tutors I was able to transition into the next phase of life much easier. So put your faith in those that are around to help you.
Start your journey with NEBOSH
The NEBOSH General Certificate is a globally recognised qualification that provides comprehensive understanding of the general health and safety issues that affect organisations of all shapes and sizes. It’s an excellent qualification for individuals looking to start their career in health and safety, and with a range of learning methods available from ACT – including classroom, virtual classroom, and e-learning – you can choose the path that suits your learning style.
Discover more about studying the NEBOSH General Certificate with ACT here, and sign up for a free trial of our e-learning software to explore our NEBOSH General Certificate e-learning course for yourself, with no obligation or payment details necessary.
ELCAS and ACT – supporting Armed Forces leavers through the resettlement process
If you’re preparing to leave any of the UK Armed Forces, you might be eligible for financial support from the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Services (ELCAS) to fund your resettlement training. ACT are an approved learner under the ELC scheme, and are able to advise you on the best qualifications to help you achieve your career goals. Read our recent blog ‘What is the ELCAS Scheme for UK Armed Forces’ to find out more, and speak to one of our friendly customer advisors to find out more.
Emma has also spoken with NEBOSH themselves about how she found the transition from the forces to a health and safety role. Read her case study with them here.
