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Posted By Damian Twigg
Hi all,
I'm another newbie to the site and having read through alot of the posts I thought I'd also ask for some advice.
Having spent 18 years or so in retail I have decided on a career change and want to go into H&S. I am halfway through the Gen Cert course and have just got the results back from a mock exam we were given (scored 70% so reasonably pleased!). I have no real previous experience in H&S (apart from the basics needed within retail)but have just been appointed as the H&S Rep with my current employer (in retail).
Can anyone give me advice on where (or even when) I could start looking to make the move into H&S as a career? Also what type of position I should reasonably expect to be looking for. I am in Sheffield and prepared to travel/commute a realistic distance.
I would also like to do the diploma course next so that I can progress within the field.
Any advice would be gratefully received.
Cheers
Damian
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By MAK
Start looking now, register with reputable recruitment agencies who specialise in health and safety. I recommend as a first stop the SHP Mag on line.
First decide on what field you really want to work in, then aim for a junior position.
you will get frustrated and it could take a lot of time, however there are companies out there who dont have the resource to take on a fully experienced consultant, but can train someone, so there are junior positions out there, you just have to become an expert at nosing them out.
Work on your CV, develop it to as professional a standard as you can and sell yourself. You come commesurate with a mature attitude, you have proved you can be self-disciplined, you have demonstrated that you can learn to a set academic standard. You have chosen the field of H&S first when you could have chosen any other path. all of these are plus points.
Good Luck
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Damian
It is probably worth getting a few years experience with your current employer before you move on.
Paul
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Posted By mark limon
Use your union to attend as many courses as possible and get as involves as much as you can in any safety related project,development or initiative thats happening in your area.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Damian Twigg
Thanks for the advice. I will work on my CV as its probably well out of date by now and will let you know how things progress.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By garyh
Get your self to the local safety committee. They always welcome members in my experience; especially members who actually will take actions away and do something!
Get involved in any safety schemes such as audits, housekeeping tours, safety tours etc. Again volunteers are usually welcome.
I agree with the respondent who advised getting experience in your current employment for a while before looking for a H&S job. Proven battle experience will mean you can hit the ground running and will be better regarded by potential employers than "unproven enthusiasm", in my experience.
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