Case Studies

The stories of Aleksandra Holub and Agnieszka Hennig are ones of unusual parallels and incredible shared success. Both grew up in Poland; Aleksandra in Koszalin in the far north and Agnieszka in Czestochowa, the “religious capital” to the south. They both achieved very high educational standards, with Aleksandra gaining degrees in both International Relations and Business and Management, while Agnieszka successfully studied for a Masters in Russian and Polish.

They both visited Aberdeenshire and fell in love with the area’s beauty so much that they decided to stay. Aleksandra made the move with her husband in 2005 and continued with her studies while also working at the Walkers Shortbread factory in Aberlour. Agnieszka came to Aberdeenshire at the same time and also began working for Walkers Shortbread, at their Elgin factory, only 15 miles from Aleksandra.

Both were happy working for Walkers Shortbread and they settled into life in Scotland. However in time, Aleksandra and Agnieszka both felt ready for a new challenge and new role within the business.

Aleksandra was the first to take an opportunity in 2009. Walkers Shortbread were seeking a health and safety assistant to support their newly appointed health and safety manager. The job appealed because it provided an opportunity to utilise her strategic studies whilst helping people too. She applied, got the position and took her NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

Her tutor was extremely impressed by her mark of 94% for unit NGC1 and felt she should move up to the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. Around this time Agnieszka applied for the position of health and safety assistant based at the Elgin factory and was successful. To support her transition into her new role, she took the NEBOSH National General Certificate too and passed.

Both Aleksandra and Agnieszka were then encouraged to start studying the NEBOSH National Diploma by Walkers Shortbread’s Health and Safety Manager, Gary Browne. With such similar backgrounds and now working as part of a team, they found it easy to study together, revise together and generally support one another. They developed a strong bond through their studies and when they passed, they were delighted to be promoted at the same time to the positions of health and safety advisors. Aleksandra and Agnieszka love their new roles and are extremely proud to have achieved their Diplomas.

“In my opinion the Diploma is the best you can get in terms of health and safety. It’s recognised in all the countries of the world,” said Aleksandra.

Agnieszka added: “I gained so much knowledge and experience going through the whole process of studying. It’s difficult to describe how happy and proud I am, how we both are.”

The icing on the cake for Aleksandra and Agnieszka was attending the 2015 NEBOSH Graduation Ceremony. After supporting each other throughout the process they celebrated together and enjoyed their “girl’s day out”.

It’s good to know that NEBOSH doesn’t just help create successful careers, but can also forge strong friendships too.