IOSH
Ashleigh Wright
Why OSH was a first-choice career
Getting injured on the first day of her first job sparked Ashleigh Wright’s interest in a career in occupational safety and health (OSH). Wanting to understand how she could better protect herself and others in the workplace, she applied for a safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) apprenticeship with Abbey Logistics.
Now the 23-year-old, from Connah’s Quay in North Wales, is gaining satisfaction from helping to keep colleagues safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ashleigh said: “Covid-19 has provided me with a unique perception and hands-on experience. It has allowed me to develop my skills faster, adapting to unusual situations, devising strategies in different areas of the business and formulating different solutions to issues that may arise as a result of the virus.
“I have worked throughout the pandemic and lockdown period. For the first two months I was working from home and returned full-time in June to support with the preparation of making workspaces Covid-compliant and ready for the gradual return of my colleagues.”
Ashleigh is enjoying expanding her skillset and knowledge through her apprenticeship, which offers her the perfect blend of on-the-job training and learning from highly skilled mentors. She joined IOSH as a Student Member to support her career.
“IOSH is the perfect platform to extend my network internationally and learn from others who have already built up successful careers with IOSH’s assistance,” said Ashleigh, whose long-term aspiration is to experience as many areas of OSH as possible.
“The IOSH Career Hub has been a major benefit that I use on an almost daily basis. Topics cover all areas of businesses and provide excellent content.
“One of the most valuable aspects of IOSH membership is being able to build on my continuing professional development and initial professional development.
“Having access to such a vast array of networking opportunities, mentoring choices, webinars, news and events at any time I want is astounding. I aim to continue my IOSH journey and progress to Certified membership to further round my skills and to enhance my career prospects in both my organisation and the wider health and safety network.”