Case Studies

Rachael, tell us about your career in the Army.

I joined the army at a later age than the average person, I was 27. When I initially signed up to become a Combat Medical Technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Along with my clinical training I was also trained to be able to carry out an element of environmental health tasks such as hygiene in the field. This included disease outbreak investigation, a basic level of understanding of pest control and prevention of heat and cold injuries for example.

After five years in the role, I decided to apply to transfer my role to become an Environmental Health Practitioner.

As a Military Environmental Health Practitioner, I studied for four years completing the Environmental Health Studies BSc through Leeds Beckett University and I completed my NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, RSPH Pest Control and Pest Management qualification as well as noise and radiation courses.

I was involved in auditing military units in locations in Wales, the West Midlands, and the northwest of England. I would audit the units to ensure compliance to UK legislation and conformance to Military of Defence (MOD) policy for occupational health and hygiene, occupational health and safety and food safety to name a few.

What made you transfer into the Military Environmental Health Practitioner role?

I particularly enjoyed the occupational health and safety and food safety aspect of my varied role and when I was going through my resettlement I decided I would like to enrol onto the NEBOSH diploma to enhance my portfolio. I decided to transfer over to Military Environmental Health as my interest in all that was entailed had grown over the course of my medical career. As a medic, I was introduced to elements of the role, and I completed additional basic-level training to conduct additional environmental health duties. I knew this would be a good opportunity for when I would eventually leave the Army as it would be fully transferable. Part of the training included the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and safety and in 2018 that’s where it all began for me and my interest and passion sparking for health and safety.

How did you find the resettlement process?
Leaving the Army and searching for my first civilian job was daunting at first but I put all of my time, energy and focus into getting a job.

After a month of applying for roles and attending interviews, I was successful and got my first job offer as a Health and Safety Manager!

I was able to transfer so many skills from my past experience to the civilian world.

I have found that employers in the civilian world have found that my skill set, knowledge and military background are second to none, and they have seen the value in what a former soldier can bring to them.

What qualifications did you opt for when transitioning into civilian life?

I understood the importance of professional development, and therefore, I started my study for the NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. On reflection, I did not anticipate how much self-study there would be, I was possibly a little naive to the level of work that would be required, and it was daunting.

I had previously studied with others and for this qualification I did it alone. I essentially applied everything I had learned in the Army for successful academic results, and I was able to pass all of my exams and complete the diploma!

How has taking the NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals benefited you?

Since completing the NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma:
• I have enhanced my knowledge and understanding
• It was the perfect course to follow the NEBOSH General Certificate
• I can demonstrate my professional commitment to the profession and continued development
• Meant I am able to stand out more when applying for jobs
• I have also been able to translate my military experience into civilian scenarios when answering questions during interviews
• made me realise that I would like to continue learning and to enrol on to additional NEBOSH courses.

What advice would you give anyone thinking on resettling into a career in health and safety?

My message for anyone leaving the forces and wanting to become a health and safety professional is to go for it. The skills we learn as servicemen and women will never leave us and the health and safety industry will enhance them daily.