Completing the NEBOSH International General Certificate has helped create a more collaborative working relationship with safety colleagues

Case Study: Mohammed Rashed Ali Yahmoor Alshehhi


Mohammed Rashed Ali Yahmoor Alshehhi is a site engineer for House Engineering in the UAE. In this interview, he explains why he chose to take the NEBOSH International General Certificate and the benefits that have followed.

Mohammed, can you tell us a little bit about your career path so far?

At the start of my career, I joined Al Futtaim Colas as a trainee engineer. This respected organisation, is part of the Colas Group, a global leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure that is headquartered in France. Al Futtaim Colas’s operations focus on three areas - quarry operations, asphalt production, and asphalt laying contracting.  This allows the organisation to deliver high-quality materials and services across the entire value chain of road construction and maintenance. To ensure I gained a holistic understanding of its operations I rotated through all three business areas as part of the company’s trainee program. I took the experience gained from my time at Al Futtaim Colas into my current role with House Engineering, where I am a site engineer leading medium to large-size projects.

 What do you enjoy most about your work as a site engineer?

Being a site engineer allows me to bring projects to life which I am very passionate about. I work in the UAE where the change is even more remarkable because we transform the desert into fully functional spaces. Having the opportunity and ability to turn visions into reality, whether it’s a building, road, or community is both fulfilling and exciting.  I also enjoy leading and supporting the development of my team. It is wonderful to help them grow professionally while achieving our project goals. Guiding them through challenges and ensuring we meet high standards of quality and safety is incredibly rewarding. Overall, I enjoy the dynamic nature of construction, where every day brings new learning opportunities and challenges. My role allows me to have a meaningful impact on both the industry and the community.

 In 2024, you completed your NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC).

  • Why did you choose this qualification?

When I first started as a site engineer, our safety officer often made decisions and imposed rules that I didn’t fully understand. His approach felt frustrating at times, as I lacked the experience and knowledge to question or engage with him effectively. This created a sense of dependency that I wanted to overcome.

I decided to pursue the NEBOSH IGC to gain a deeper understanding of health and safety to empower myself to take charge of on-site safety matters. My goal was to build confidence, learn the technical aspects of health and safety, and ensure that I could make informed decisions. After completing the qualification, I was able to have meaningful discussions with the safety officer, which led to a more collaborative and professional working relationship. It also allowed me to take a more active role in ensuring the safety of my team and the success of our projects.

  •  Did you enjoy your studies?

Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed my studies. The NEBOSH IGC provided a deep dive into health and safety principles, and I found it both challenging and rewarding. The course was structured in a way that allowed me to learn the theory behind safety measures while also providing practical insights that I could apply directly in my role as a site engineer. I especially appreciated the real-world case studies, as they helped me connect the concepts to everyday situations on-site. Overall, the experience not only enhanced my knowledge but also reinforced my passion for ensuring safety in the workplace.

  • How has achieving the qualification helped you fulfil your duties as a site engineer?

Achieving the NEBOSH IGC has greatly improved my ability to manage safety on-site. For example, I was tasked with designing the hauling roads in a quarry. Using the knowledge from my NEBOSH training, I successfully identified all hazards and associated risks in our activities and effectively managed them by implementing appropriate control measures. A quarry is a high-risk workplace where meticulous and responsible health and safety management is essential. The qualification has given me the confidence and expertise to make informed decisions that directly enhance the safety and efficiency of our operations.

 What are your long-term career aspirations and can achieving your IGC help you succeed?

My long-term career aspirations are to either advance into a project management role or to start my own contracting company. Both paths require strong leadership, technical and scientific knowledge, and a deep understanding of health and safety, all of which the NEBOSH IGC has helped me strengthen.

The qualification has given me a solid foundation in health and safety, which is essential in any senior position in construction or contracting. As a project manager, I will be responsible for overseeing large teams and managing multiple aspects of a project, including health and safety. The NEBOSH IGC has given me the skills required to assess risks and implement control measures, which are crucial to ensure the safety and success of a project.

Alternatively, if I choose to start my own contracting company, the learning outcomes of the NEBOSH IGC will serve as a valuable credential to build trust with clients, as it demonstrates my commitment to safety and my desire to create a culture of safety within any organisation I create from the start.

Whichever path I choose, the NEBOSH IGC has provided me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue these ambitions, and it’s an important stepping stone in my professional journey.

 What’s next for you in terms of your professional development?

Currently, I am focused on expanding my skills and knowledge to further advance in my career. I will soon be enrolling in the NEBOSH International Diploma programme, which will provide me with advanced-level health and safety knowledge. I am also pursuing the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which will enhance my ability to manage complex projects, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. Additionally, I’m working towards earning Lean Six Sigma belts, to refine my process improvement and problem-solving abilities, ensuring greater efficiency and quality in every project I oversee.

I have also enrolled in Architecture BIM (Building Information Modelling) Management courses. As the construction industry increasingly adopts digital technologies, proficiency in BIM is becoming essential for optimising project design, planning, and execution. This skill will enable me to stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to more innovative, cost-effective solutions.

By pursuing these varied qualifications, I aim to push my skills to their fullest potential and be better equipped to take on leadership roles. I am committed to continuous learning and to staying adaptable to the ever-evolving demands of the construction and engineering industries.

 When you look back at your career so far, what are you most proud of?

There are many things I’m proud of, and it’s hard to choose just one. Each project I’ve worked on has brought its own set of challenges and accomplishments. However, what stands out most is the consistent success of the projects I’ve been involved in. Ensuring that we completed each one on time, within budget, and with high safety and quality standards is a great source of pride. In retrospect, we take pride in having ensured that employees always returned home safely, cherishing the memories of working together to create a healthy and safe working environment.

Additionally, I’m proud of the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced along the way. Being part of a collaborative team and overcoming obstacles together has been incredibly rewarding. Each successful project reinforces my passion for construction and motivates me to keep striving for excellence.

 Do you have any hints or tips for those who wish to have a career like your own?

My advice to anyone looking to pursue a career in health and safety, site engineering or construction management is to diversify your knowledge and continuously invest in your personal development. The more skills and certifications you acquire, the more valuable you become. Always seek out opportunities to learn, whether it’s through formal education, certifications, or hands-on experience.

Qualifications like NEBOSH, certifications like CSP and CRSP and professional memberships such as IOSH and IIRSM are invaluable in enhancing the expertise and opening doors to new opportunities. But beyond technical qualifications, I also recommend learning about project management, sustainability, and emerging technologies. The construction industry is constantly evolving, and staying updated on the latest trends and tools will set you apart.

Lastly, building strong relationships and being a proactive leader on your projects is key. Work hard to foster a team-oriented environment and always aim to be someone who others can rely on. Success in this field is not just about technical knowledge, but about your ability to lead and collaborate effectively.