Irwin and Colton have partnered with NEBOSH on a series of articles looking into questions from their alumni. Below is one of these questions in the series "Looking into moving careers".
Question: How can I transition from education into the aviation industry in health and safety?
We regularly speak with health and safety professionals who are looking to broaden their experience and explore new sectors. This kind of ambition is a positive sign, reflecting a drive to grow, take on new challenges, and apply existing skills in new environments. From speaking with thousands of health and safety professionals throughout their careers, we’ve found that those who make the leap into new industries are often the most fulfilled and satisfied in their roles.
Making the move from one sector to another may seem like a leap, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable.
Health and safety is a profession built on a foundation of transferable skills. Whether you’re working in education, construction, or aviation, core competencies such as risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement remain essential.
What changes is the context in which these skills are applied. For instance, in an international school setting, you’re likely managing complex safety challenges, emergency planning, safeguarding, and working across diverse cultural and regulatory frameworks. These experiences are highly relevant to aviation, which is similarly global and governed by strict compliance standards. The key is to frame your experience in a way that resonates with aviation employers.
To strengthen your transition, it’s important to build a working understanding of the aviation industry’s unique safety requirements. This doesn’t necessarily mean a full career change overnight, but rather a strategic upskilling. Familiarising yourself with aviation-specific frameworks will help you speak the language of the industry and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Consider short courses or webinars focused on aviation safety, or something more advanced if you’re looking for a formal qualification. It really depends on individual circumstances when weighing up cost and time — however, in our experience, the more you invest, the more you get back.
Networking is a powerful tool when switching sectors, and it can make a real difference. Start by connecting with professionals in aviation safety roles (LinkedIn is a great place to begin), attend industry events, join relevant forums, and don’t hesitate to reach out for informal conversations. These connections can offer valuable insights and may even lead to opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
If a direct move into aviation isn’t immediately available, another practical step is to look for roles in adjacent sectors such as transport, logistics, or facilities management within airport environments. These can act as stepping stones, allowing you to gain relevant experience while continuing to build your aviation-specific skill set and industry knowledge.
To support this, when applying for roles, make sure your CV and cover letter clearly showcase how your current experience aligns with the demands of aviation. Use sector-relevant language and highlight achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage risk, lead safety initiatives, and work across cultures and regulations. This tailored approach can significantly improve your chances of making a successful transition.
Ultimately, sector transitions in health and safety are not only possible, but they’re also increasingly common as professionals seek new challenges and industries evolve. Aviation, with its global reach and high-risk environment, offers a rewarding career path for those willing to adapt and grow. By recognising the value of your existing experience, investing in targeted learning, and engaging with the industry, you can position yourself for a successful move. The journey may require patience and persistence, but it can lead to exciting new opportunities and long-term career development.
James Irwin is a Director at Irwin and Colton, a leading specialist health and safety recruitment consultancy based in the UK. For further information about your career, contact James at james.irwin@irwinandcolton.com.