Celebrating OHS Career Success – with Graduate Ioannis

The ultimate goal for any student, looking to launch a career, or a professional, set on taking their career to a new and lucrative level, is finding a top-tier training program that will lead to an ideal employment opportunity. This is also the main goal for our Anderson College team. We recognize that your success is our success. And when the training and employability stars align, and we get to hear the success stories from our students, it gives meaning to the work we do.

We had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Ioannis, a graduate of our occupational health safety course. His insights empower future students to understand precisely what they’re in for in our occupational health and safety training courses, a diploma program approved by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP), and what a CRSP designation can mean to your future OHS career success.

Ioannis’ story is sure to inspire.

Celebrating OHS Career Success, Offering Insights for Students – with Graduate Ioannis

A Background in Construction, Overcoming Obstacles to Elevate His Career

“My background was in construction with Suncor, also known as Petro Canada, working on gas stations all over Canada. Because we have very strict safety procedures, I become interested in that field. I talked to my supervisor, and he started giving me more tasks in that safety and health area, doing the general service administration assessments and general and accident reports.

“For four years, I was doing all the work, but I wasn’t receiving the recognition or the pay because I didn’t have the designation. I realized I needed to get the credentials so I could really achieve this job, which I love.

“It was hard with the work, to try to find a school for that. But finally, last year, I said, “That’s it, no more”. I quit that job there and started working with my wife. She used to work in a pharmaceutical company, so I worked there for a 1/3 of my pay, and committed to the program at Anderson.”

This determination and commitment led to a new beginning and have made all the difference for Ioannis, for the future he imagined, the one he is now living.

A Choice That’s Never Too Late

“During my research of where to study occupational health safety, particularly in reviewing what is recommended by the Board of Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (BCRSP), I found Anderson College listed as one of the accredited colleges, and this drove my decision to attend.”

Ioannis began his program; the class size was 25 people, and he found that most were adults, professionals like he is, balancing work with studying. He found that beyond knowing things, the on-the-job training was powerful and with that type of training it becomes natural.

“But you have to go deeper, you have to analyze all the roots, why we’re doing this, why this process is like this or like that. And of course, in my case, the background was in construction, but we explored health and safety in different fields; we discussed how things are in the healthcare sector, how things are in the manufacturing sector, how things are in the oil and mining sector. It was all very interesting. And this is a job in demand. I mean, I wish I had started to follow this path when I was younger, but it’s okay, it’s never too late.”

Highlights of Learning and Class Environment

“Some of the things that we covered included, ethics in the workplace, Canadian legislation and the history of safety in Canada and in the world. We investigated major accidents that happened in Canada and outside Canada. Then we went into more detail. We covered how to conduct a risk assessment, what a risk assessment is, the definition of an accident, the definition of an incident, the difference between those two, and what the Ontario and Federal governments have in place with regard to laws and legislations for the workplace.

“We also discussed the rights and responsibilities of the workers and those of employers and supervisors. We covered the fines that are given if you don’t implement the legislation. We had modules on how to conduct the audits, how you use these audits to make corrective actions in the safety program. What happens if there is a safety program in place, or if there isn’t one in place, and how to create a safety program.

“We talked about discrimination in the workplace, harassment, about the Disability Act, and covered a big module on industrial hygiene and covered ergonomics in the workplace. It was surprising to me that we have occupational injuries even in the office environment.

“It was all very interesting, very interesting.”

Beyond what was covered in the program, there was also the experience of being in a larger than typical class (for Anderson), of 25. We wanted to see how this affected the interactions between the students and his impression of his experience. Ioannis had this to share.

“We were a big class, but the good thing for me was the participation. Our instructor, to make things more efficient, put us into groups to work. Our group was amazing. There were four of us and I’m very glad about the group we ended up in. We are staying in touch. We are going out. We’ll discuss things. We do research in health and safety even after graduation, when we have the free time. We have monthly meetings. It’s a nice group.”

He also shared his impression of the instructors and the support he received.

“Mrs. Jessica was great. She has deep knowledge. After 15 years of not being in the market, I didn’t know that there is now this technology that they put the resumes through, so I had to redo my resume and align it to the ATS system. The instructors were so helpful with this process. Marisa was great too with a very deep knowledge of what’s going on, especially specific to construction because she’s working in the construction field. Mr. Perry was really great as well with theoretical knowledge. And I found the practical training so important for this stage of my career.”

The Process and the Benefits of Certification

“The CRSP designation is one of the most comprehensive and prestigious designations in our profession, in health and safety. It tests a combination of educational and technical skills and experience. It’s not only the educational really; it’s a very comprehensive, hard exam. The passing rate is less than 50%. And the qualifications, besides the educational, you need to have the experience, and it must be documented. You need two letters of people who say that you have the experience and one of those has to be from a safety professional recognized with CRSP, so, a master in safety.

Honestly, it was hard even for me with all my experience. I submitted everything. I called them and actually, as of today, my application is in good standing, but I haven’t heard back. I’m still waiting to know if I’m eligible to take the exam. Yeah, so it is hard, but it will be so worth it. All the information you need to know is on the website, all the conditions that you have to follow, you need the documented 900 hours of work in health and safety.”

As you can see, it’s important to be aware of what’s required, and prepare. Gaining that combination of recognized, specialized training and experience, alongside a designation gives you that competitive edge when launching a career or enhancing your position in the workplace.

What Students Should Know

Ioannis had these terrific insights to share with students who are currently exploring the opportunity of taking online safety training courses or an in-person workplace health and safety course.

“First of all, determine if this health and safety course is right for you, that it’s the path for your career. If the answer is yes, then next you need to decide which field you want to follow, because there are many, from healthcare and manufacturing, to construction, oil, and the food industry, and more, although these are the big five. When you are in the program and you will have a better understanding of which sector you want to follow, and then you need to try to get the other credentials you need.

“For instance, if you want to work in the food industry, you have to have an advanced certification, that has to do with how you handle food. If you are in construction, you need to get some specific certification, that address how to work at heights, or the scenarios you’ll face every day on the job. In the manufacturing sector, you’ll need to know how to clean up the tank, even if it’s a water tank, how confined spaces works, and you need to have those certifications.

“I knew that I wanted to follow in the construction or mining field, and besides the program I tried to get all the certifications I need. That helped me, and with my experience, I knew the top 12 construction companies, and I sent my resume to these 12 companies, and I’ve had amazing results …”

Ioannis’ Incredible Results!

These are the highlights from the amazing email Ioannis sent to us sharing his terrific news! These are the kind of emails that make everyone on our team smile. We could not be more thrilled for you Ioannis and commend you for all you’ve accomplished to make this a reality.

“I just want to share some great news with you!

I recently replied to about 12 job postings related to occupational health and safety, in the construction field where most of my experience is.

I landed 3 job interviews and 2 job offers.

I accepted one of those and am starting to work as an HSE Manager in one of them with an amazing starting salary.

Attending Anderson College was one of my best life decisions and I want to thank you for all the useful knowledge I gained during my educational journey. It was an amazing experience and even though I have more than 10 years experience in the construction field, what I learned had a huge impact on my ability to land my dream job.

Also, I want to thank our instructor of the course, Mr. Perry Bowen. His deep knowledge and ability to share with us all the insights to be successful is field is priceless.

I have no words to thank you for all the support being part of this achievement.”

Wow, just wow Ioannis! Congratulations. You did it!

Amazing Start to His Career

While at the time of this interview Ioannis had not begun his full-time position he had this to share about the beginnings of his experience.

“Right from the start this company has been amazing. I’m loving it already. There are very good people, and I appreciate that it’s a multinational company. The head office is in London, so on my first day connecting with the company I actually had a Zoom meeting with the owner (he is a professor in hydrology at a university in London). He actually welcomed me aboard and wished me all the best of luck in my new role! I’ve never experienced that before. I get that most people would be lucky to even know the name of the owner of the multinational company they work for.

“I’m so excited to start with this organization. They were responsible for the tunnels for Metrolink, the new line there and we have the project for Ontario Place. It’s going to be an incredible job. I’ll be doing so much, and I didn’t have any experience in drilling. I know I’m going to learn so much.”

Ioannis’ Advice for Students Considering a Future in OHS

While we may be thrilled to welcome you into our OHS program, to see what opportunities there may be for you, there is nothing like insight and advice from someone who’s been through it all. Here the advice Ioannis has for you, if you’re considering this stream.

“If he or she likes this program, jump to it. This program is very good. Anderson helps you learn what the different roles and fields encompass so you can determine what your specialty can be. Decide where you want to go, and work in parallel with the program to get the certifications you want, and don’t worry about whether you have the experience; you will gain that in time.

Know that it’s a well-paid job; it’s a job in demand, and one that you are respected for, especially graduating from a college that has the reputation that Anderson does. You’re working with people, you are advising people, and you’re doing good. I mean, I don’t want to say you save lives, but you do kind of save lives, you know? Beyond working in some amazing companies, you also could take your experience and teach. In the future, I’m considering talking to Anderson, seeing what their qualifications are, and maybe one day coming back here to be an instructor. I would be more than happy to do that.”
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There is no greater compliment for us than a graduate who wants to return and join our team instructing the next generation of students and professionals.
We are truly grateful to have had Ioannis share his insights with us, with you. We cannot wait to see how he soars in his new role and to see what the future holds for him.

Are you ready to take the leap and join us as a student? If you’re still considering whether this program is for you, you can take our “Career Discovery Quiz”. But if you’re set and excited to learn more about an Occupational Health & Safety career, let us help you navigate the steps to get there. Book a virtual appointment with an Admissions Advisor today and let’s get you started.