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Jon Fry - NEBOSH General Certificate

We asked Astutis learner, Jon Fry to discuss his learning experience with Astutis. His decision to study the NEBOSH General Certificate has already helped his career, find out more here!

November 2021

Learning Method

Jon Fry - NEBOSH General Certificate  Icon Online

Course

NEBOSH General Certificate

Jon Fry - My NEBOSH General Certificate Story 

 

How I felt prior to starting the course can be summarised in a single word, and that is ‘uncertain’.

Would I find the building ok? Would there be space to park? Would I be made to do awkward ice breaker exercises, and would there be sufficient coffee breaks? After working for BSW Timber since 2013 (I had recently been promoted to ESH Coordinator, hence the course) I had already built a fair knowledge of health and safety, but still, I entered the course with a degree of trepidation.

Fortunately my concerns were allayed as soon as I arrived at Astutis ‘HQ’. Located just off the A470 just outside Cardiff, the Astutis building was easy to find. I was welcomed at the door and upon entering the training room was quickly reassured that:

  1. Plentiful parking was available nearby;
  2. There would be no awkward ice breakers;
  3. There was a free coffee machine, and to help myself whenever I wanted.

I chose to study with Astutis upon recommendation from a colleague; after this particularly strong start they were already living up to their reputation and I was feeling relaxed and ready to get stuck in.

In the weeks leading up to the course, I had been warned that the NEBOSH General Certificate was a difficult course to master and that the minute details mattered- so I was relieved to be given some hefty training resources, containing all of the course material,  that were mine to write on and highlight as I pleased.  

Our instructor for the week was an ex-military man who clearly knew the course and subject back to front and settled us into what the next week would bring, with a casual approach which we all warmed to and appreciated. The training from this point was broken down into 1-2 hour long chunks, punctuated by refreshment breaks and a wholesome lunch provided by a local caterer.

We soon got into the swing of the training and before we knew it, the first week was over. Thus began a month of revision time before we reconvened for the second half of the training, again at Astutis HQ, this time focussing on the Risk Assessment portion of the course. Our initial trainer had been called to lead an alternative course which was a shame, as we had built a good rapport with him- however his substitute was equally knowledgeable; while he had a very different style, he knew the subject and was very happy to answer our numerous questions.

The second week followed a similar format to the first with training consisting of explaining the course material, discussing case studies, and carrying out activities in pairs to brainstorm scenarios and answer difficult questions. We ended the week feeling well prepared for the assessment and eager to crack on with putting our new knowledge into action.

Fast forward another month and my course mates and I are in a posh hotel conference room about to start our exam. The exam was over in a flash and if it hadn’t been for the nervous uncertainty surrounding a new viral outbreak sweeping the globe, I would have tucked into the free croissants at the back of the exam hall.

I’m pleased to say that I passed with a mere 3 marks off a Distinction. I owe this success to Astutis for their first class training, as well as ongoing support from the trainer after the course, and also from my various mentors over at BSW.

If you’re in need of an industry recognised Health and Safety qualification, I would highly recommend Astutis to make it happen for you.

 

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What People Say

Hear What Our Learners Have To Say

We're always there for our customers. 98% of our learners rated their overall experience as good or outstanding. We will always pride ourselves on our customer service. But don’t take our word for it, here is what our customers have to say
  • "Clear and concise. A lot of information delivered in an easy to digest format. Trainer was engaging and positive, as well as easy to talk to and ask questions. Tech was good and all the materials provided/used were/are helpful."

    Kerrina
    09.04.2025
  • "Clear and concise. A lot of information delivered in an easy to digest format. Trainer was engaging and positive, as well as easy to talk to and ask questions. Tech was good and all the materials provided/used were/are helpful."

    Kerrina
    09.04.2025
  • "excellent trainer easy to follow and good mixture of team discussions."

    Keith
    03.04.2025
  • "covered a lot of my day to day tasks, easy to follow on the second week, found the first week it difficult to see what was required and understand."

    Keith
    03.04.2025
  • "Very impressed with the training content, it was delivered in a user friendly way and made easy to understand, communication and resources was excellent throughout"

    Mark
    02.04.2025
  • "Lots of detail but delivered in such a way to make it easy to understand, the resources and advice given throughout the course was first class."

    Mark
    02.04.2025
  • "The tutor was excellent, and the course was designed so that the information was easy to digest and understand through real-life scenarios. The problem-based learning approach and active participation in classroom discussions and homework exercises helped me pass the exam on my first attempt."

    01.04.2025
  • "The two weeks of comprehensive in-class training, coupled with the gaps between the exams, provided ample time for preparation and reflection on what I learned in the classroom. NG2 was very interesting, and the classroom exercises helped me grasp the theme of assessment, specifically how (RMs) were assessed."

    01.04.2025
  • "The online learning portal was easy and straight forward to use, it was well laid out and had fantastic online resource sections which were great for printing out to have to hand - especially handy for highlighting important points. I had purchased the NEBOSH Managing Health and Safety book to help with my study, but in all honesty, the information in the portal covered all the relevant material anyway. I only needed to phone for assistance on a couple of occasions, but found the guidance helpful and quick."

    Chris
    25.03.2025
  • "Having a secondary role at work as a Health and Safety coordinator means passing the NEBOSH General Certificate is a great indication of the knowledge and understanding I have achieved so far. This is a staple qualification in this field and I now have the confidence to venture into Health and Safety in a more primary role and as a progression of career."

    Chris
    25.03.2025