“After obtaining this certificate, I received my first job offer, underscoring the value employers placed on this qualification.”
Case Study: Asila Al Shukri
Asila Al Shukri is one of the five recipients of the NEBOSH L’Oreal International Bursary: Enabling Women in Health and Safety 2023. We spoke to her to find out how this initiative has helped her and will help many other women in health and safety.
Why did you decide to apply for the NEBOSH L’Oréal Bursary?
I decided to apply for the NEBOSH L’Oréal bursary because it represented a unique opportunity to advance my expertise in health and safety. Additionally, I was a job seeker looking to strengthen my CV with my bachelor's degree in chemical and petrochemical engineering, this bursary would have significantly boosted my credentials and improved my employability in the field. This opportunity aligned perfectly with my career goals of continuous learning and professional development, ultimately helping me contribute more significantly to creating safer work environments.
What made you decide that health and safety was a good career option?
I decided on a career in Health and Safety because it allows me to make a positive impact on people's lives by ensuring their wellbeing in the workplace. This career also provides opportunities to develop and enhance a wide range of skills, from risk assessment and regulatory compliance to effective communication and leadership.
Ultimately, knowing that my work contributes to creating safer, healthier workspaces and protecting the environment is incredibly fulfilling.
Had you heard about NEBOSH before applying for the Bursary?
Yes, I had heard of NEBOSH before this. When I studied HSE during my university course, I became familiar with NEBOSH's reputation for excellence in health and safety qualifications. In 2022, I took the NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work Award. This experience motivated me to further pursue advanced qualifications to deepen my expertise and enhance my career prospects in the field.
How do you think having the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety will benefit your career?
Having the NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC) significantly benefited my career by enhancing my expertise in health and safety management, making me more competitive in the job market. The IGC is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates my commitment to maintaining high safety standards and my ability to implement effective safety practices. After obtaining this certificate, I received my first job offer, underscoring the value employers placed on this qualification.
Where do you see your career going in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see my career progressing significantly in the field of health and safety. I aim to complete further NEBOSH qualifications, including the NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals and a NEBOSH Master's degree, to enhance my expertise. I plan to develop my skills and increase my experience so that I can lead safety initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making. I aspire to make a significant impact on safety and health standards in the workplace and drive continuous improvement and innovation in this field.
Why do you think it is important to offer a women-only health and safety bursary?
Offering a women health and safety bursary is important for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the gender disparity in the health and safety field, encouraging more women to pursue careers in this field. This not only promotes gender diversity but also brings diverse perspectives and approaches to safety practices, which can enhance overall workplace safety. Additionally, empowering women through dedicated bursaries contributes to a more inclusive and balanced workforce, benefiting organisations and society.