Just Passed the NEBOSH General Certificate? What’s Next for Service Leavers?

By Steve MullanVeteran | Health & Safety Consultant | Director of SM Safety Training & Consultancy Ltd Updated: 13th May 2025

If you’re a service leaver who’s just the NEBOSH General Certificate, well done you’ve taken a massive step towards your new civilian career in Health & Safety.

The General Certificate is the UK’s most sought-after entry-level qualification in the field. It opens doors to opportunities in industries from construction and engineering to logistics, education, and corporate compliance.

But here’s the thing passing NEBOSH is just the start.

In today’s job market, employers want more than just one certificate. To stand out, you’ll need to build your portfolio, specialise, or even progress to degree-level qualifications. Whether your goal is to become a Health & Safety Manager, Trainer, or Consultant, this guide is for you.

And remember: you’re not alone SM Safety Training has been in your boots. We’re veteran-run and ELCAS-approved, with one goal: helping you transition successfully into civilian life.

What Should You Do After NEBOSH?

There are three common directions our ex-military learners take after completing the NEBOSH General Certificate:

1. Progress Into a Specialist Area

NEBOSH offers a range of industry-focused certificates that make you more employable in specific sectors.

Whether you want to work on building sites, manage fire safety in commercial premises, or help reduce environmental risks, a focused qualification shows employers you mean business.

2. Take It to the Next Level – NVQ Level 6 or NEBOSH Diploma

If you’re aiming for management-level positions, this is where the degree-level qualifications come in.

Both the NEBOSH Diploma and NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Health & Safety are recognised by employers across the UK and internationally. They’re your route to CertIOSH membership with IOSH—showing that you’ve reached professional, competent practitioner status.

Difference between the two:

• NEBOSH Diploma – exam-based, theory-focused, classroom or online.

• NVQ Level 6 – work-based, no exams, build your portfolio in your current role.

  
  

3. Become a Health & Safety Trainer or Consultant

Many service leavers go on to teach or provide freelance consultancy. With your military leadership, attention to detail, and real-world experience, you’re already a great candidate.

To do this, you’ll need:

• Strong subject knowledge (NEBOSH General + specialist qualifications)

• Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET)

• Consultancy skills (risk assessments, audits, inspections)

We can help guide you through each of these steps.

Courses to Specialise After NEBOSH General

At SM Safety Training, we offer the most popular follow-on NEBOSH and HSE courses—all fully ELCAS-approved:

🔨 NEBOSH Construction Certificate

The NEBOSH Construction Certificate is ideal for those looking to work in health and safety roles within the construction and civil engineering sectors. It qualifies you for positions such as Site Safety Supervisor, CDM Coordinator, or Health and Safety Advisor on construction projects. This certificate demonstrates your ability to manage site-specific risks and ensure compliance with construction safety regulations.

🔥 NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate

The NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate opens the door to a variety of roles focused on fire prevention, risk assessment, and workplace safety. With this qualification, you can pursue careers such as Fire Safety Officer, Risk Assessor, or even become a Fire Safety Trainer. It's a valuable step for anyone looking to specialise in fire safety within health and safety management..

🌿 NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate

The NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate is perfect for those aiming to work in environmental and sustainability-focused roles. It can lead to careers such as Environmental Advisor, Sustainability Officer, or EHS Manager. This qualification shows employers that you can assess environmental risks and support compliance with environmental legislation.

🧠 NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Managing Stress at Work

The NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Managing Stress at Work is designed for those responsible for supporting employee wellbeing and mental health. It can lead to roles such as Wellbeing Coordinator, HR Advisor, or Health and Safety Officer with a focus on stress management. This qualification demonstrates your ability to identify, assess, and reduce work-related stress in line with HSE guidance.

Fund Your Courses with ELCAS

The MOD will fund up to £2,000 per year through your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)—and at SM Safety Training, we’ll help you make the most of them.

✅ You’ll only need to contribute 20% of the course fee

✅ We offer bundle deals to combine multiple courses in a single claim

✅ You can book in advance before your discharge date

Ask us how to structure your learning path. We’ve been through the system.

How the Army Has Already Prepared You

You might not realise it yet, but your military experience gives you a major advantage in health and safety:

✅ Leadership – You’ve led teams under pressure

✅ Discipline – You understand procedure and compliance

✅ Risk Management – You’ve identified and responded to hazards

✅ Communication – You’re clear, direct, and calm under stress

With the right qualifications, you’ll translate those skills directly into a successful civilian role.

Career Options After NEBOSH (With Progression)

With the right training and guidance, you could become:

• Health and Safety Officer

• Site HSE Supervisor

• Fire Safety Advisor

• EHS Coordinator

• Environmental Manager

• Health & Safety Trainer

• Freelance Consultant

• Risk Assessor / Auditor

• NVQ Assessor (with A1/IQA)

  
  

We’ll help you work out the route that best matches your skills, experience, and future ambitions.

Why Choose SM Safety Training?

• Veteran-Owned, Veteran-Led – We know what it’s like to leave the military, we can translate military laungage to civillian language.

• Flexible Delivery – Online via TEAMS or face-to-face across UK

• ELCAS Approved – We’ll help you use your credits wisely

• Bundle Packages – Combine NEBOSH, NVQ, Fire and CITB

• NEBOSH Gold Learning Partner – High pass rates, expert tutors, flexible delivery

• One-to-One Support – You’ll never be just a number

BOOK ONTO ONE OF OUR NEBOSH OR NVQ COURSES

Need Advice? We’re Just a Call Away

At SM Safety Training & Consultancy Ltd, we’ve proudly helped hundreds of service leavers like you get qualified, get confident, and get started in their new career.

Whether you want to:

• Move into health and safety management

• Start your own consultancy

• Become a trainer and help others like you

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We’re here to guide you through every step.

📞 Contact us for free, no-pressure advice

📧 Download our free service leaver guide

🎓 View our upcoming ELCAS-approved courses

SM Safety Training & Consultancy Ltd “Safety Through Knowledge from those who’ve been there.”

What to know more about NEBOSH visit NEBOSH website

Just Passed the NEBOSH General Certificate? What’s Next for Service Leavers?