IOSH
Creating safer futures through continuous learning
How the IOSH Student Member Bursary is supporting Libu Abraham's professional development
Libu Abraham switched from architecture to health and safety and is developing his skills and career with support from the IOSH Student Member Bursary.
A career change with purpose
Supporting the next generation of safety and health professionals, the IOSH Student Member Bursary helps turn ambition into progress. Just in the last 6 years, it has awarded over £63,000 to over 290 members.
One of this year’s recipients is Libu Abraham, a Health and Safety Coordinator at Marlborough Highways, whose journey has taken him from architecture into health and safety, and a role where he is already helping to strengthen how risks are understood and managed on site.
Finding a path into health and safety
Originally trained as an architect in India, where he completed a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch Hons), Libu brings a unique perspective to the profession.
Libu Abraham
- Job role
- Health and Safety Coordinator
- Company
- Marlborough Highways
“My interest in health and safety developed naturally from my architectural and construction background, where I recognised how decisions related to design, sequencing and site management directly impact worker safety and wellbeing.”
Developing knowledge and skills
After moving into the UK construction sector, Libu transitioned into health and safety and now has more than three years’ experience in the field.
In his current role, he coordinates occupational health assessments, including those related to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), dust exposure and mental health. He has already made a positive impact within her organisation, helping to strengthen incident reporting and investigation processes.
“I helped implement a new investigation tracker and supporting documentation after identifying gaps,” he says, highlighting his proactive approach to continuous improvement.
Alongside professional responsibilities, Libu is currently studying for an NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety. He is also an IOSH Student Member and has completed IOSH Managing Safely and Leading with AI, using IOSH resources to support both her studies and day-to-day work.
Looking ahead
Looking forward, Libu is focused on continuing his development and expanding his contribution to the profession.
Libu Abraham
- Job role
- Health and Safety Coordinator
- Company
- Marlborough Highways
“In the short term, my goal is to strengthen my technical health and safety foundation while developing my analytical capability so I can contribute more strategically to performance improvement and risk reduction. In the longer term, I am committed to progressing towards Chartered status.”
The IOSH bursary will play an important role in supporting these ambitions, funding a combination of learning resources and professional development opportunities, including training in incident investigation, occupational health and risk management.
Explaining the impact of the bursary, Libu says: “These resources will directly support my development as a Health and Safety Coordinator and help me complete my Level 3 NVQ”.
He adds: “They will improve my technical competence, support my NVQ portfolio and help me progress towards my TechIOSH and eventually GradIOSH status.”
For Libu, the bursary represents more than just financial support.
“It reflects my commitment to continuous professional development and to creating safer, healthier workplaces”
Libu Abraham
- Job role
- Health and Safety Coordinator
- Company
- Marlborough Highways
With a clear sense of direction and a strong foundation already in place, Libu is looking ahead to a future where he can make an even greater impact.
His long-term ambition is to work in a senior role where safety performance, occupational health, data insights and design awareness come together to support organisational excellence.
Take the next step in your professional development
The IOSH Student Bursary provides funding and support for IOSH Student Members. Applications open each autumn.