Edinburgh College student tops health and safety course

AN Edinburgh College student has got top marks in a premier UK health and safety qualification.

Dr Iain Wood. Picture: supplied

A senior manager with one of Europe’s largest industrial multinationals has achieved the best marks in the UK on a course provided by Edinburgh College.

Dr Iain Wood, from Newbridge-based Exova, obtained the highest marks in one part of his three-year National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, and received a special award at a graduation ceremony yesterday.

The National Diploma is the top award for people working in industrial health and safety and a win is a coup for both the student and Edinburgh College, one of Scotland’s largest providers of professional learning.

Dr Wood, from Portobello, studied part-time for the qualification over a period of three years at the college’s Sighthill campus and will be heading south for the ceremony after completing Edinburgh’s Seven Hills challenge on Sunday morning.

“It’s a surprise to have done so well and the qualification has made a big impact on me ensuring I give the most up to date information on health and safety to our sites, in particular from a legislation perspective,” said Dr Wood.

“The support I received from the college was excellent.

“Nik Olliver, our lecturer had an excellent grasp of the legislation, and she was also very demanding, with it all aimed at improving your performance.”

Dr Wood beat more than 1000 candidates and receives the top student award for Unit D at Warwick University, where the international National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) graduation will take place.

Dr Wood is the second Edinburgh College student in less than three years following Martin Diamond in 2014, who won in the Unit A category.

Nik Olliver, lecturer, Edinburgh College, said: “I’m proud of every student who passes a NEBOSH diploma exam or unit D and it’s just the icing on the cake when someone does this brilliantly.

“Iain was a fun and entertaining student to have on the course.”

Exova Is one of the world’s largest materials testing and calibration experts, working in oil and gas, fire safety, chemical industries and food production, with 4,500 employees across 32 countries.