How to become a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) advisor
There are several routes to becoming a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) advisor. You could complete a university degree, a college course, an apprenticeship, or apply to an employer directly.
In most cases you will need a NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety or NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety, or equivalent to enable you to become a SHEQ advisor.
You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
To become a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) advisor you could study towards an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Business development
One you have finished your studies, you could complete further qualifications through the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to gain more specific skills and knowledge.
College/training provider
You could complete a National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) or Applied Health and Safety (NCRQ) to help you become a SHEQ advisor.
There are no minimum entry requirements, but it’s useful to have a good understanding of the English language.
Apprenticeship
To become a SHEQ advisor you could complete an advanced apprenticeship as a safety, health and environment technician. You could also complete an environmental health practitioner degree apprenticeship, if you're going to work mainly in environmental safety.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you’ll be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Work
You could study to become a SHEQ advisor whilst you are working.
It’s possible to complete health and safety qualifications which can increase your chances of applying directly to an employer for a trainee position as a SHEQ advisor. Relevant courses include Health and Safety in the Workplace, Risk Assessments and Basic Accident Investigation. Courses are usually available on a part-time basis or by distance learning.
You can take approved health and safety courses through:
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) advisor. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) advisor include:
- Legal knowledge
- Good attention to detail
- Able to use your initiative
- Excellent team working skills
- Persistence and determination.
