The first qualification is an entry level certificate of credit in health and safety management, which meets the academic requirements for Technical Membership (TechIOSH) without the pressure of exams.
All the assessments are targeted at practical workplace activities, so the idea is that students can put their learning into practice throughout the programme.
An advanced course, leading to a diploma in health and safety risk management, is also available, which is aimed at those looking to progress to Chartered membership of IOSH and assessed predominantly by evaluating work-based projects and assignments.
The course is based on the ISO45001 international standard and will put successful students ahead of the field in terms of health and safety management systems.
It’s also designed to accommodate the demands of studying alongside a full-time job with a flexible modular structure that can be completed in six months or up to two years.
Both courses are being run in the UK as public programmes and globally as in-company training programmes.
The new qualifications were launched last week at an event by EEF Chair, Dame Judith Hackitt, and Portsmouth University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Paul Hayes.
“This partnership offers unique training programmes that take health and safety training beyond acquiring knowledge, with equal focus on developing the skills needed to apply the knowledge in a real-world setting,” said Dame Judith.
“This ensures that practitioners deliver a fully rounded set of skills which will improve health and safety and deliver business benefit.”
In October, EEF and safety specialists Arco published a report, which revealed that 97% of companies want the UK to stay in the European health and safety standards regime after Brexit.
According to the report, just 3% of firms want to revert to pre-EU health and safety regulation levels.
