ACT were proud to attend this year’s NEBOSH Graduation Ceremony at the University of Warwick, to celebrate the success of all of our incredible NEBOSH Diploma graduates. We love to take the time to catch up with all of our learners now that their studies are behind them, to find out more about their experience studying for their NEBOSH Diploma and how they plan to encorporate everything they’ve learned in to their career as health and safety professionals.
We caught up with Mark Duncan, who studied for his Diploma using ACT’s classroom course option, to talk about how he approached his studies and where he sees himself in the next five years.
Congratulations Mark! What made you first decide to study the NEBOSH Diploma?
I felt I wanted to develop my competence so I can use my knowledge to better understand and help the workers at risk. The Diploma allowed me to branch out, covering all aspects of health & safety.
What is your current job role and what does it involve?
I love my job. My current role is Head of HSE for Certas Energy UK ltd. A dynamic and evolving energy company, my role is to focus on the Energy Solutions part of the business which has over 90 depots, 800 vehicles and 1600 workers. Their role is to distribute bulk flammable fuel to all types of customers. I have a great team of HSE Business Partners who look at the day-to-day BAU operation. My role is to support the business strategy and provide HSE leadership by inspiring and motivating a Safety First culture, with an ambition of zero harm.
How do you plan to apply the knowledge you gained in your NEBOSH Diploma in your day-to-day responsibilities within your role?
I plan on ensuring we are continuously improving. My focus is on HSE leadership and strategic input while ensuring we are focused on the workers at risk. Communicating to the workforce is discussed at nearly every level of the Diploma, I plan on making sure our workers understand the hazards they face and the controls we have in place to keep them safe.
What advice would you give others considering starting their Diploma?
Set time aside and spend as much time as possible revising, the Diploma isn’t about the certificate at the end, it’s about the knowledge you will gain while studying.
How did you approach your assessments, and did your approach change at all as you took each assessment?
I set aside 2 hours each night and 4 hours on a Saturday or Sunday to revise leading up to the assessments, I felt prepared to tackle the assessments. I approached the assessments by putting as much information into the question as I could, then spent time adding meat to the question.
I answered the question, linked it to the scenario, then if relevant, linked it to an ACOP, regulation etc.
What were some of the challenges you faced in your studies?
I did struggle with time management at times due to having a full-time job and family, If I was tired, I felt it best to get some sleep and tackle again the following day. I felt studying from home a distraction.
How did you approach the balance of your career, your studies, and your personal life?
I did my best to manage my time, lucky I set time aside every night from the start of my study so when I was tired or wanted to spend more time with my family / work. I was able too. I also got the odd day off work to catch up / study.
What do you hope to have achieved in the next 5 years?
I would like to create a safety community to support our vision zero ambition. I would like to develop their HSE knowledge so they can communicate the risks & controls to their department, their teams & their peers. And hopefully create the next HSE professionals ready to take on my role in the future.
Do you have any final thoughts to share on your journey?
If you have ACT as your training partner you are already on your way to success, use the HSE website as much as possible & remember you’re doing this to keep us all safe.
The NEBOSH Diploma is an advanced qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, and can be used as an entryway to selected Postgraduate and Master’s degrees. This makes it the ideal choice for those looking to build a long-term career as a health and safety professional. The NEBOSH Diploma is comprised of three units, that must be completed within a five year window to obtain the full diploma:
- Unit DN1: Know – workplace health and safety principles.
- Unit DN2: Do – controlling workplace health issues.
- Unit DN3: Do – controlling workplace safety issues.
At ACT, we offer classroom and blended learning options, with the freedom to study at your own pace, complete the units in any order, and with flexible payment terms available.
- Visit NEBOSH’s website to find out more about entry requirements for the NEBOSH Diploma
- Study for your NEBOSH Diploma with ACT .
If you’d like to build your health and safety knowledge further, our NEBOSH General Certificate course is a great place to start. It’s designed for anyone looking to develop practical skills and gain a respected qualification in workplace safety. To find out more, get in touch with the ACT team today.
