Simon Fisher: using ELC to transition into Health and Safety

CASE STUDY

Final Rank: WO1 (RSM)
Years Served: 22
Enlisted: November 1997
Service branch: Royal Armoured Corps
Specialisation/trade: Challenger 2 (CR2) Main Battle Tank Unit

Hello Simon! Please tell us when you registered for ELC.

When they first come into use, between 2001 and 2005. I first used my ELC in May 2018. 

THE COURSE

How did you select the course?

It’s run by Dorset Health and Safety Ltd, who I found through advice from a colleague who recommended them as excellent instructors, able to communicate information clearly.

What qualifications have you achieved as a result of using ELC?

I have already completed my NEBOSH National General Certificate, First Aid at Work, level 3 Risk Assessments and Principles of COSHH and am booked on to an ISO 45001 Lead Auditors’ course and NEBOSH Fire, to be completed in September 2019 – both through Right Management.

Was the course you took with Dorset Health and Safety Ltd well run and relevant?

Yes! It was very well run and absolutely relevant to gaining the NEBOSH qualification that is essential to work in the field of health and safety.

ELCs are easy to access and, used correctly, they can get you the civilian qualifications you need for employment

What kind of learning does the course consist of?

Academic with one element of vocational (workplace hazards).

Does it build on your military skills? [The qualifications Simon already holds are listed in the accompanying box.]

I have completed the Unit Health and Safety Advisors course from previous military employment and did not acquire a qualification. This course recognised experience by providing an academic qualification.

How much study was involved?

A lot of evening study was required to complete the course. Overall the course took two weeks, with a minimum of two hours per evening and weekend extra study required to gain the qualification.

Will you attend any other related courses?

Yes, I’ll attend more courses to gain advanced qualifications using my remaining ELC.

What did you hope to gain from the course?

Understanding of HSE requirements in the civilian sector that can also be employed in military employment.

How did you think the course would help any subsequent civilian career? 

I will be leaving the Armed Forces later this year and in the field of employment I’d like to work in, the qualifications I’ve gained are highly recognised. Along with experience, this qualification will help me find the right employer.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

Find out what employment you would like to do, carry out research on the required qualifications and use your ELC to gain the qualification. ELCs are easy to access and, used correctly, they can get you the civilian qualifications you need for employment.

Plan early – two years out as a minimum. You can only use one ELC per year. Research what qualifications you would like to achieve to back your military experience. Networking is the main way to get your name out for interview. Always be positive about your military career – a potential employer does not want hear the bad things, only how you added value to the organisation.

To find out more, visit www.dorsethealthandsafety.com

SIMON’S SUCCESSES

Military qualifications:

• CR2 Commander
• CR2 Gunnery Instructor

Civilian qualifications:

• Level 6 Diploma Leadership and Management 
• Level 5 City & Guilds Leadership and Management
• Level 5 Certificate in Logistic Supply Chain Operations
• Level 4 Certificate in Facilities Management and Logistic Operations