Triona Sheedy

Can you tell us your name, job title, and the course you studied at ATU?

Triona Sheedy, Health Safety Environmental & Quality Manager BAM UK & I. I studied the Certificate in Fire Safety (Part B Buildings Other than Dwelling Houses, and FSC).

Can you share your career path to date?

My career path has been focused on health, safety, and quality management within various industries. I began as a Health and Safety Consultant with SMT Consultants, where I gained valuable experience advising clients on compliance and best practices. I then transitioned into a Safety Officer role, taking on more hands-on responsibilities for implementing safety procedures and ensuring workplace safety standards were met. Building on this foundation, I advanced to my current position as an HSEQ Manager, where I lead initiatives to integrate health, safety, environment, and quality systems, driving continuous improvement and fostering a strong safety culture across the organization.

What does your current role involve?

In my current role as HSEQ Manager, I am responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining health, safety, environmental, and quality management systems across the organisation. This includes ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards, conducting audits and risk assessments, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Managing incident investigations, and collaborate with stakeholders to integrate HSEQ principles into operational processes. Additionally my role focuses on making sure our buildings are safe and compliant for everyone who uses them including fire safety compliance.

What motivated you to start studying?

I have always had a passion for learning and believe that continuous development is essential in my field. Studying allows me to stay up to date with evolving standards and best practices, ensuring I maintain the highest level of competency to support my role effectively. By expanding my knowledge, I can contribute more confidently to creating safe, compliant environments and drive improvements that benefit both the organisation and its people.

Why did you choose this course at ATU?

I chose the Certificate in Fire Safety at ATU because I have a genuine passion for fire safety and its critical role in protecting people and property. This course offers specialised knowledge that complements my current responsibilities in facilities management and HSEQ, allowing me to deepen my expertise in fire prevention, risk assessment, and compliance. By gaining this qualification, I can ensure our buildings meet the highest safety standards and contribute to creating safer environments for all users.

How did you find the process of studying in a flexible manner? What elements did you find helpful? Were there elements you found challenging?

I found the process of studying in a flexible manner extremely easy and straightforward. The flexibility of the learning approach made it simple to manage my time effectively, allowing me to attend sessions and study at my own pace without feeling pressured. The ability to balance work and study seamlessly was one of the most helpful elements. Honestly, I didn’t find any major challenges the process was well-designed and very user-friendly.

How did you balance work and study?

Balancing work and study was very manageable thanks to the course structure. The timing of the classes worked well with my schedule, ensuring my work responsibilities didn’t suffer. Additionally, having the sessions recorded was a huge advantage, it allowed me to review any material I missed and stay on track without stress.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

My employer has always been extremely supportive of my decision to study. They place a huge emphasis on continuous development, not only to strengthen the business but also to encourage personal and professional growth. The Certificate in Fire Safety was particularly relevant to my current role and the organisation, as fire safety is a critical component of facilities management and compliance. This additional knowledge helps me contribute to maintaining safe environments and meeting regulatory standards, which aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to excellence.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying a flexible learning programme?

Go for it! You’re never too old or too busy to learn and grow. Flexible learning makes it possible to balance study with work and life commitments, so don’t let time constraints hold you back. Investing in your development is always worth it.

In what way has studying with ATU benefitted your career?

Studying with ATU has given me the confidence to contribute more effectively in my role. The knowledge I’ve gained allows me to make better, informed decisions that positively impact safety and compliance within facilities management. It has also motivated me to continue learning and pursuing further qualifications, reinforcing my commitment to professional growth.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

Yes, the course provided some unexpected benefits to my career. Beyond gaining technical knowledge in fire safety, it improved my confidence in decision-making and strengthened my ability to communicate safety requirements clearly to stakeholders. It also expanded my professional network and opened up opportunities for further learning, which I hadn’t anticipated at the start.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

Absolutely, the course content had direct practical relevance to my day-to-day role. It gave me a clear understanding of requirements from design through to operations, and made compliance requirements much clearer. This knowledge has helped me apply best practices confidently and ensure our facilities meet all necessary standards.