Professional Development in Safety: How a University's OSHA Certificate Prepared Veteran Noah Serigny for Career Growth

For those who adhere to the principle that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers, UC San Diego Extended Studies OSHA Training Institute Education Center student Noah Serigny is a classic example.

At the Idaho National Laboratory, Serigny is responsible for the health and safety of more than 6,000 employees of the U.S. Department of Energy’s lead center for nuclear energy and renewable energy technologies. His work ensures programmatic compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards at a facility spanning nearly 894 square miles (for perspective, that’s three-quarters the size of the U.S. state of Rhode Island!).

For Serigny, advancing his career to attain his current level of command meant more than simply honing his technical skills and knowledge. As a veteran transitioning to civilian life, he needed to demonstrate that he was a leader who could influence workplace safety culture. 

Becoming a participant in the Professional Safety and Health Officer Program at UC San Diego Extended Studies, Serigny found the training he needed. 

Through leadership-focused coursework, he strengthened his knowledge of OSHA workplace safety and learned management and communications practices to influence long-term compliance across the organization.

Choosing UC San Diego Extended Studies

Serigny's job scope includes overseeing fall protection, equipment safeguarding, vehicle operation, and monitoring excavation and scaffolding projects. He's also responsible for ensuring that all employees are well-versed in safety standards and practices.

"Ultimately, my job here at the Idaho National Laboratory is to ensure programmatic compliance with OSHA standards and to develop and train industrial safety professionals," he explained. 

When he sought professional development, Serigny selected UC San Diego Extended Studies for its reputation as an OSHA Training Institute Education Center. The UC San Diego OTIEC has been authorized since 1992, when the U.S. Department of Labor selected it as one of the original four OSHA Training Institute Education Centers. 

Today, prospective students are eligible to attend Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) classes, bringing accessible, high-quality OSHA training directly to their doorsteps.

"I chose UC San Diego because it offered online and in-person courses, giving me flexibility to take the courses when I need," Serigny said, "and because UC San Diego is an OSHA Training Institute Education Center.”

Through the program, he became an authorized Outreach Trainer, obtaining the skills and certificate to share safety knowledge with others, including veterans—a personal passion.

A Pathway for Career Advancement

As a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran transitioning into civilian life, Serigny saw the certificate program as a bridge from his past work experience to his future career success. 

"My goal in enrolling in the Professional Safety and Health Officer program at UC San Diego was both personal and professional in nature," he explained. "I wanted to become a well-rounded safety professional—and prepare myself for a competitive edge as I retired from the United States Navy after years of service."

The program gave him the practical knowledge he needed to be hired and promoted, including how to be a leader who aligns organizational values around safety. Ultimately, having a certificate put the finishing touch on his qualifications to create a successful transition from military to civilian work. He's an advocate of the training.

“I'd recommend the Professional Safety and Health Officer certificate program to a friend or anyone who's interested in a safety career or just wants to make the work that they do more safe on a daily basis," he said.

Learning from Experienced Instructors

For Serigny, the instructors were a highlight of his experience, and they made a lasting impact on his career growth.

Instructors are the heart of the UC San Diego OSHA Training Institute Education Center. Handpicked for their dedication to the student experience, they are all highly qualified professionals with extensive field experience. Their approach is to bring OSHA standards to life with real-world applications so students can take lessons straight from the classroom to the work environment. 

"What I liked the most about the program was the personable instructors," he shared. “You could tell that they were very knowledgeable and they were willing to engage with students, both during the classroom and after the classroom."

Serigny felt the access to experienced instructors who could understand his background and goals made a significant difference to his career outcome. One instructor even worked with him beyond the classroom, helping him prepare for a national certificate exam that would further his career in occupational safety training.

Looking Ahead

As a lifelong learner, Serigny plans to continue building his skills with UC San Diego Extended Studies. 

"My future goals include finishing the Professional Safety and Health Officer certificate program and to continue taking classes through UC San Diego Extended Studies."

For professionals seeking a career transition, or specifically looking at how to earn a health and safety certificate or how to get an OSHA certificate for workplace safety, Serigny's story presents a case study in pursuing goals to achieve a thriving career.

UC San Diego OSHA Training Institute Education Center

Since 1992, the UC San Diego OTIEC has delivered high-quality, innovative occupational safety and health training. Its programs are grounded in OSHA standards and tailored to meet the evolving needs of Construction, General Industry, and Maritime Industry professionals.

In addition to the core OSHA-authorized courses, the OTIEC Department offers a wide range of specialized training in safety inspections, fire and life safety, live events, EM 385-1-1 compliance, workers' compensation, and safety leadership, among other critical areas.

To learn more, visit UC San Diego Extended Studies OSHA Training Institute Education Center at osha.ucsd.edu. Learn about OSHA’s military discount and navigate to the UC San Diego Extended Studies Student Services section to discover access programs for Veteran’s Education Benefits.