Case Studies

Katie, when did you decide you wanted to work in Health and Safety, and how did you know it was the right career for you?
Before working for Mercedes, I was a trainee manager at Church’s Footwear. Part of the trainee management programme required me to spend time in each department learning about the various roles. The exposure I had in the Health and Safety department made me realise this was the career path I wanted to take, as I love the variety of the role—no two days are ever the same!

Tell me about your employer and your current job role. What would you say is the best thing about this job?
I am currently a Health and Safety Advisor at Mercedes—we manufacture and race the cars that you see out on track at the Grand Prix. Day-to-day, I oversee our Occupational Health programme, ensure our team work safely with radiation on-site, and I am a Health and Safety point of contact for various departments across the site.

The best thing about my job is that it provides me with the opportunity to work alongside some of the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the motor racing industry, who like to push boundaries to find performance whilst maintaining a strong focus on safety.

Please tell us why you chose your NEBOSH qualification and how taking it has helped you.
I chose the NEBOSH Diploma because it is a well-established, highly regarded qualification within the Health and Safety profession. Completing the Diploma has allowed me to broaden my understanding of the subject, improving my confidence and knowledge across a wide range of Health and Safety topics.

What was the best thing you learned through your NEBOSH studies?
The value of sharing knowledge and experiences with others in my cohort—I found it beneficial not only to learn from our teacher but also to hear real-life examples from other industries. This broadened my perspective and helped me see how Health and Safety principles can be applied in a variety of contexts.

Could you tell us a little bit about your future ambitions?
For now, I’d like to continue my career in Health and Safety at Mercedes as it is a rich learning environment where I am regularly being presented with new challenges, allowing me to further build on my experience. I also have an interest in Occupational Health, and I’d like to explore this avenue further in the future.

What achievement are you most proud of?
Over the last 5 years, I have studied back-to-back, completing my Business Management Degree Apprenticeship, then starting my NEBOSH Diploma a month later. I am proud that I have obtained two level 6 qualifications whilst working full-time.

What do you enjoy most about being a Health and Safety professional?
I enjoy working across all areas of the business, as it allows me to meet and collaborate with many different people. The variety of my role enables me to broaden my experience and knowledge continuously.

What would your advice be to anyone who aspires to make Health and Safety their career?
My advice would be to focus on building connections within your role. Doing so will help you learn from others, allowing you to make well-rounded and informed decisions.