My Journey as a Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality (SHEQ) Apprentice
Case Study
In preparation for National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we recently spoke to Level 3 SHE Technician Apprentice, Freddie Benyon, about his experiences working within health & safety.
When I started this apprenticeship, I was uncertain about my career and what it was I wanted to do. However, this role has been the perfect fit for me. It has not only provided me with valuable skills and knowledge but also a sense of direction. I feel as though I have grown both personally and professionally within this role, and I now feel more confident and prepared to tackle future challenges in the SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality) field. In a summary, I would say my journey as a SHEQ apprentice has been transformative. The skills and experiences I’ve picked up along the way are definitely going to set me up for a great career in quality, health and safety, and environmental management.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
I’ve learned to separate my work and personal life by understanding that work will always be there tomorrow, or after the weekend. This mindset shift has allowed me to fully enjoy my personal time, whether it’s spending time with friends or simply relaxing. By appreciating my personal time for what it is, I’ve found a better balance for myself.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
My daily responsibilities are diverse and dynamic, ensuring that no two days are the same. Below are some of the things I get up to in my role day to day:
- Reviewing, Managing and Updating Site and SHEQ Documents: Ensuring all site documents are up-to-date and compliant with current regulations is a crucial part of my role. This includes policies, risk assessments, and safety procedures.
- Meetings and Reviews: I regularly participate in meetings to review current practices, discuss ongoing projects, and brainstorm for any ideas for improvements. These sessions are collaborative and aim to enhance our SHEQ standards.
- Dealing with Contractors: I liaise with contractors to ensure they understand and comply with our SHEQ standards. This involves communication, training, and sometimes, problem-solving to complete a task/job.
What I am most proud of
During this apprentice I feel as though I am most proud of achieving IOSH, NEBOSH Environmental Awareness, becoming a certified First Aider, and completing the Carbon literacy course. I feel as though these achievements have been monumental in enhancing my professional credibility and competence. I’m also currently completing my NEBOSH General Certificate. Before beginning this apprenticeship I also had not achieved my maths. However, Compass were able to provide the structure and resources to improve my maths skills through functional skills training, which are essential for various aspects of my role, from data analysis to audit reporting.
Future Ambitions
Looking ahead, my ambition is to further my career in Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality (SHEQ) management and expand my knowledge by gaining additional experience in the field. I am currently completing my NEBOSH General Certificate and exploring opportunities to complete higher levels of IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) certification, with the ultimate goal of achieving IOSH Chartership. This continuous learning journey will equip me with the advanced skills and expertise needed to do well in SHEQ management and contribute significantly to promoting safety, quality, and environmental sustainability in my future roles.
