Posted By Steve Hawkins Hi, I am a 39 year Senior NCO in the British Army, whos 22 year contract is about to come to an end, officially Aug 04, CAN get away earlier IF the right job comes along. For the past 10 years I have had more than just a passing interest in health and safety. 4 years ago I was appointed safety advisor for my unit, looking after 130 staff both Military and Civilian, for all aspects of H&S. I report directly to my Officer Commanding. I gained my NEBOSH General Certificate in May 2003. I am looking for a potential employer to give me that first foot on the ladder, where i can expand on my H&S experience, I would be interested in work, in any industary, in any H&S role. I live in South Derbyshire and I am Willing to travel up to 40 miles for work, any where Midlands/East Midlands.I have my own car and a clean driving license. I will gladly send my CV on to any potential employer who requests it via this forum, or upon request via this email address: stevehawkins891@hotmail.com I would like to thank any potential employer for taking time out to read this and even better still,giving an old Soldier a chance in civvy street! Regards, Steve

Posted By Darryl Goog Luck Steve been there done that and got a job straight from the army, keep hunting and send your CV everywere, it does work. good luck Darryl

Posted By Murray S Graham Steve, I left the Army 14 months ago, it's not easy as I'm sure the other guys on this thread will agree, but after a few knock backs I was in employment within 4 months of retiring. Having been in the forces from being a boy soldier I found it hard to relate my military H&S experiance to civvie St, talking in abreviations and other Forces parlance didn't help either. Try to use civvie Spk ie Manager, Supervisor and co workers as aposed to OC, Pl/Tp Comd etc. A lot of potential employers will look at you as if you are speaking another language. As I said before mate it is a steep learning curve, but your military background will get you through it, and it wont be long before your in full employment after your retirment. Very best of luck Steve Murray Graham

Posted By thomas mark evans Hi Steve keep looking! i left the navy in Dec 03 after 22 yrs. I was lucky to find a job in the railways as H & S Manager (Cert Only awaiting reults for dip 1.), but i have a 150 mile round trip to work so i can gain some experiance. I did Dip 1 as resettlement in Carlisle (Woodwards!! very good and quite cheap). good Luck mark

Posted By Nigel Price Much the same as others above, good luck mate. I left the RN in 95 after 22yrs, managed to get a job during my terminal leave so have never been unemployed in my life, perhaps it was luck but I also like to think it was a result of hard work, oh and the resettlement course in Catterick run by Coutts, excellent and well worth it. GOOD LUCK< I'm not far from you so if theres anything I can help with just let me know. Nigel

Posted By John Gaynor Hello Steve, I was in the armed forces for "31" years and in a similiar position to you 2 years ago. My advice would be to gather all the certificates you can, for example, Manual handling Trainer, Risk Assessment course and if possible a teaching qualification of some sort. I would then try and use some of your resettlemant time at a civilian company to see how things are done in a commercial world. May I wish you all the best.

Posted By Paul Parry I left the RAF in June 03 and got an NVQ4 through WOLVERHAMPTON COLLEGE (£380)01902 317512 (Ken Davis -Tutor)and I am now H & S Manager for Cambridge city council. There are 4 jobs going here for 1` x Management advisor, 2 x Enviromental Health officer and 1 x Manager. It may be too far for you, but look at jobsgopublic (all one) its where most councils advertise jobs. Dont put H&S into search box as it is funny just do a ALL search in your required part of the country. Keep plugging away you WILL get a job and after a year or two and you are more qualified you will be much better off than you were in the army.