What courses have you done with URTU Learning Project?
So far, I have done the IOSH managing Safely course and, more recently, the NEBOSH national General Certificate in Health & Safety.
How did you find out about the courses?
From a work colleague. As a result of this, I put in touch with URTU Learning Project Worker, Agnieszka Zamonski.
Why did you pick those particular ones?
They are courses which employers are always looking for qualifications in when they are recruiting employees in the Health & Safety sector. These courses have now given me an opportunity to work within Health & Safety.
How did you fit the courses into your day-to-day life?
Due to my commitment of working away all week as a tramper driving tankers, my spare time is extremely limited. I work anywhere between a 50- and 60-hour week so, during the week, I was not able to revise or do any of the course work. I was only able to continue my study during the weekend but, this was extremely challenging as I also have my hobbies. I thoroughly enjoy Thai boxing, which is every Saturday morning.
What was the most difficult aspects about doing the courses?
I did find it difficult to study along with continuing my hobby and juggling seeing my family and friends. All this had to be done on the weekends due to the sheer number of hours I do working away in London during the week driving tankers. I was always that person who said, “I don’t have the time to do that course”. Even when I was studying for this NEBOSH, I did think that maybe I have taken on something which requires too much time that I do not have! I was also going through an extremely sad time in my life, due to a bereavement when my dad sadly passed away on top of everything else. So, I literally had everything thrown at me for me to fail and just quit or give up. But I pulled myself together, as hard as it was, and picked myself back up and dusted myself off, so to speak. I said to myself, “I am going to do this, I will do this, and I’ll make my father even prouder of me.” I then started using Saturday afternoons and all day on a Sunday as my revision and course workdays. This went on for about two and a half months solid, without fail, every single weekend. I then went and did the exams where the second exam was a two and a half hour drive each way. So, in total, it was a five hour round trip.
What would you say to someone who says that they do not think learning is for them?
I would say, “Stand up and be counted for!” Everyone, regarding of what level of
education you have. can benefit from learning. Always remember, where there is
a will, there certainly is a way If you want to better yourself you must go and fight for it.
Would you consider doing further training with URTU Learning?
I will definitely be learning more with URTU. I am currently doing a Microsoft Word course. I have had a lot of support from URTU and I really cannot thank them enough.
