Transitioning into health and safety: Richard Kear’s story

CASE STUDY

Final Rank: Sergeant
Years Served: 21.5
Specialisation/trade: Avionics Engineer

Hello Richard! Please tell us which qualifications you have used your ELC for to date?

NEBOSH Occupational Health and Safety, and the ILM Leadership and Management Diploma, both taken with Oak Tree Management & Training Ltd.

What made you choose those courses?

I chose the courses to reinforce the military qualifications I had already gained. In addition, I felt my skill-sets needed transferring into ‘civilian-speak’.

What were they like?

Very well organised with all necessary provisions made. All information for the courses, including administration, was provided in good time prior to the course starting.

Were the courses academic, vocational or a mix?

Vocational.

What civilian qualifications you have obtained so far during your Service career?

BA (Hons) Criminology, IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH Manual Handling Instructor.

Did your chosen ELC-funded courses build on these?

Definitely! That was the main reason I chose these particular courses. The ILM Diploma will translate the level of management I provide in the RAF to future civilian employees.

What format did the study take?

Both courses involved in-depth classroom study with further self study. ILM required 3,000-plus word essays for each module covered, and NEBOSH was completed with two exams and a practical assessment.

I thoroughly enjoyed the courses, which were delivered by a fantastic group of trainers who were all keen to pass on their wealth of experience. While hard work on an intensive level, the results will be worth it in the long term. Having a good selection of fellow learners provides additional stimulus and helps with shared learning.

Will you attend any other related courses?

This month [September 2017] I am attending a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt practitioners’ course followed by OHAS 18001 Health and Safety Lead Auditor Course.

What do you hope to gain from these?

I hope they will give me a greater insight into life in the civilian world by engaging with fellow course attendees. On earlier courses, I was fortunate to have professional and enthusiastic colleagues who were able to provide me with valuable advice for my future civilian employment.

How do you think the courses you have taken will help in your subsequent civilian career?

I believe they will prove invaluable in my hope of developing a career within the world of health and safety.

Did you have any advice from your commander/education adviser that you would like to share with fellow readers?

Plan as far ahead as you can prior to deciding what courses to take and make sure they will benefit your future career.

What advice do you have for other Service people registering for or using ELC?

Seek guidance from your unit training adviser and make sure you get your courses booked well in advance to ensure you get your chosen dates and location.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

I would highly recommend Oak Tree for their fantastic support throughout all my learning with them. The service they provide is second to none and they are always on hand to help should you require further guidance.

To find out more, see www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod