Posted By RichardC1973
I hope that someone may be able to offer some advice. I am stuck in the can’t get a job because I don’t have enough experience chestnut. I am currently working for a firm of plumbing and heating engineers in a dual role of operations and offering health and safety advice – of which much falls upon deaf ears. I would like to move to a full-time health and safety position.

I did NEBOSH Nat. Gen. Cert. to support the health and safety work that I had been doing as I needed more knowledge.

I have compiled the company health and safety file comprising a plethora of risk assessments including general risk assessments, PUWER, DSE, manual handling, COSHH, noise, vibration, fire, and first aid. My noise assessment is not particularly good as I had no money to hire an instrument and get any actual readings.

My problem is that I lack extensive real experience as health and safety is not a positive phrase within the company where I am.

As an example, I was thinking of using my own money again, to hire a noise meter and take time off to get some readings to help with my practical experience – although this is not easy as I don’t have a mentor to help me with what I am doing and to learn from their experience.

Is there anything that I could do within my current job, which would add to my experience (and CV) to make me more of an attractive proposition for a future employer?

Thanks for any advice!

Posted By Bennie
Hi Richard - have you thought about delivering training on the subjects that you are strong on?
If you got a foot in the door with a training establishment, got your professional trainer cert, and start working with clients etc, you will gain experience on the other things the establishment delivers.

Also, the training ability is a good seller on the CV.

Just a thought?

Posted By Gary G
Hi Richard

A course I can recommend is the CIEH professional training certificate as it does not restrict you to individual courses; however you will need the experience and knowledge in the particular subjects that you want to deliver.

You may want to think about gaining accreditation to deliver IOSH Working or Managing Safely courses, will depend on your level of experience, however you do have a NEBOSH certificate.

Alternatively you could take individual train the trainer’s courses and build a portfolio up over time.

Posted By Bruce Sutherland
Hi Richard

Have you been to any of the local branch meetings - I can only speak for the far SW and the Bristol ones but people do not bite and there may be more experienced consultants who would welcome a hand with their work which may give the opportunity to gain experience.

Cheers

Bruce