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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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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
  • "I choose Astutis by recommendation from one of my colleague. I hade really positive experience with Astutis. Study materials were excellent and online sessions were great. All planning for exams went smooth. All my questions via email were answered really fast. I passed from 1st try. I already recommended Astutis to other colleagues"

    Mariya
    05.12.2024
  • "Everything was good"

    Mariya
    05.12.2024
  • "Great learning platform with easy access to all relevant information and very user friendly experience."

    Sebastian
    05.11.2024
  • "The course was easy to understand because the information provided was well structured, very well presented and really helpful."

    Sebastian
    05.11.2024
  • "Very good and I would highly recommend to others. I will be using Astutis in the near future as I have some more courses I would love to complete."

    22.10.2024
  • "Easy to understand, the information was clear and to the point."

    22.10.2024
  • "For a virtual course, I found it extremely informative and engaging, the Tutor ensured they were on hand at all times to ensure we were kept focused. Equally the back office support were always on hand for support when needed"

    Emma
    16.10.2024
  • "A really solid experience into Health & Safety"

    Emma
    16.10.2024
  • "Excellent. I studied the virtual course with minimal support. The course notes were excellent and provided all the necessary information to pass. When I did have cause to contact the team they were always happy to help."

    Matt
    09.10.2024
  • "Really interesting. Be warned though there is a lot of reading, thankfully you don't need to recall it word for word. I'd recommend having a basic level of health and safety understanding before undertaking the completely virtual course. The pre-exam webinars are helpful, and don't forget the *** principal."

    Matt
    09.10.2024