Posted By K Wardale Hi Robert, I think your idea is a good one and would help individuals have a taster at different h & s roles before deciding which one suited them. I would definetly be up for it particularly if it gave me an opportunity to move into a more specialised field and have enhanced career prospects. Kind Regards, Kelly

Posted By John Johnston I think this is a fantastic idea. Speaking from an individual perspective and not a company perspective, I would be very excited to have my name on a database that could help get on that first rung of the ladder. Especially through IOSH and not the average job agency (I mean no disrespect to those job agencies in the slightest as I use agencies daily in my search for employment). Robert, I really hope this idea takes off and a great big thank you to you for trying to push it forward. As for the security of the database, I'm sure as large a task as it is, there are many servers/companies out there with the knowledge and technology to have security measures suitable. Not to mention a well written and researched privacy policy/disclaimer. Good luck and I look forward to seeing how much interest this thread generates. Very best regards, John

Posted By Robert Paterson Hi to everyone I would like to record my thanks to all who have responded so far to this thread and the other threads on this subject. A wee bit dismayed that not many people have responded as I would have thought that a register for work experience would have given a chance to a lot of people who would like to enter the health and safety world. Is there any company managers who would be interested in being apart of a register. IOSH is one of the leading institutions in Health and Safety and I'm sure if given enough interest from members and also other professionals outside the institute they would take this idea on board and expand on it. Thanks George for pushing this idea at the CSC meetings. It is now up to the rest of us to keep this idea alive for future generations of Health and Safety professionals. Kind Regards Robert Paterson

Posted By Mark Jarman Robert, As other respondents have indicated, this would be a great idea for the benefit of all safety professionals, from people interested in entering the profession, through the newly qualified to experienced practitioners. I seem to recall that in the catering profession, some chefs do work without pay for short periods in top restaurants in order to get more experience and develop their skills. As you have suggested, it would be great if IOSH could take this idea on board and offer some sort of structure and guidance, both for those offering and taking up the places. Perhaps the development of such a scheme could be rewarded with CPD points, and companies offering placements could be entered into an annual award for the scheme of the highest quality. The only problem that I can see at this stage is the availability of placements. For various reasons, including resources, workload and internal politics, I have a doubt that companies would make a sufficient number of places available to make the scheme the success that it should be. I typify this last point - I would love to go out in my own time and gain experience in new fields, however, I doubt that I would be able to offer anything in return at my workplace. Having said all of that, it is a great idea and I hope that it gets off the ground. I would certainly be willing to contribute to setting up such a scheme in any way that I can. Regards Mark

Posted By brian green This is a great idea and needs pushing forward, i wonder if this would be open to misuse from certain employers using free labour rather than employing someone, apologies for being negative but there are some out there who would attempt to misuse this register. Anything to increase the chances for up and coming practitioners is a good idea, deteremination and hard work will get them there eventually, hope you are successfull in the register, if you require help from other practitioners i would only be to happy to help with spare time i have available best regards Brian Green M.I.O.S.H. applying for rsp

Posted By Mark Jarman I agree with Brian that some companies may use a scheme such as this to try and get free labour. That is why believe it is important that such a scheme should have the backing of IOSH with a formal structure. It is disappointing to note that so few have contributed to this thread - I am sure there are many out there who would gladly participate. Mark

Posted By colin j fraser Robert, I think this is an excellent idea, I have found myself in a similar situation to most people trying to get on the health and safety ladder. I am just awaiting my results from Dip 1 and have applied to numerous vacancies but to no avail as I have little H&S experience! Come on IOSH give this one youre backing and allow new members to gain the experience needed for a full time health and safety position.

Posted By Stephen Nicol In response to Martin Ffitch's e-mail, whilst I do agree that it is a good idea to approach a company direct, I would also add that it does not always work! I have sent out hundreds of letters with CVs detailing my previous experience and giving details of my current studies to various companies, all to no avail. I visit the Worktrain and various other employment websites on a daily basis, downloading any position which looks remotely attainable. I then contact the companies, and make it plain that I will work for them on a trial basis for a reduced wage - in fact, that I will work for them for nothing if needs be - all, again, to no avail! Companies want people with experience - that much is clear - but, until there is a recognised system whereby people studying towards their H&S qualifications can be "placed" within a company to physically gain that experience, then companies will continue to reject people like me! Another thought though - with courses like plumbing or joinery, the colleges that offer these courses also link their students up with companies where they can gain "work experience". Would it not be an idea for the colleges which offer H&S courses to do the same? Otherwise, this country is going to be full of people who are qualified, but who are not employable because of their lack of experience! Steve Nicol

Posted By Michael Robert, I think your idea is brilliant and, as already said, will take a lot of work but would help a great number of people i think. Perhaps i'm biased as due to the Management of Health & Safety being reviewed, my current post will no longer exist and my contract is at risk. I am currently working towards my NEBOSH qualification and am looking for new employment and would be willing to undertake any support role available. If anyone can help then dont hesitate to contact me on 07881 554194. Many thanks Mike