Posted By sarahmyatt Hi all, To all those that are trying so hard to get relevant experience in H&S i know exactly what your going through and often wonder how does one get the experience without being given the chance to in the first place? I have just completed Nebosh Dip and passed Unit A and B, I'm awaiting results of C and D. I self funded this course and the cert in the hope that it would be somewhat easier to gain entry into a field I am passionate about. How wrong and somewhat naive was I! Its the chicken and egg syndrome-you need the experience to get a job but how do you get that experience to begin with? I currently work for a small manufacturing company where I am the assistant H&S officer/quality administrator ( I audit ISO 9001)/ Secretary/ tea maker! I undertake R/A, designed and now are starting to implement the traffic plan, conduct noise surveys, inductions and bang my head against a brick wall with management!! I'm frustrated and really want to get stuck into a H&S role where I can solely focus on developing existing systems and progressing my CPD with IOSH (something not supported where I am at the moment). I network a lot through my connections made on the courses, unfortunately I can't attend branch meetings due to family commitments. I have e-mailed numerous agencies and sought their opinion on my C.V. and recently was shortlisted ( final two candidates) for Head of H&S at Kerrygold manufacturing plant as I have also worked within the food processing industry. The reason I was unsuccessful was that the other candidate had more experience, and round I go again- any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. Thanks.

Posted By peter gotch Sarah. I would start by making your email address visible, not least as potential employers liable to be in breach of this forum's Acceptable Use Guidelines if they respond on the forum. Regards, Peter

Posted By Mark Straker Sarah mail me on this e-mail Mark.Straker@sakhalinenergy.ru or strakerman702@yahoo.co.uk and I will reveal very honestly how most people in any Industry related HSE role find employment and accomplish your goal

Posted By IOSH Moderator As part of the current Careers Forum clean up two messages have now been deleted from this thread. Please see: http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...iew&forum=2&thread=31430

Posted By jeanne fairbrother Hi Sarah, I too am new to all of this and read your initial posting with a sense of deja vu. I too decided on a career change after running my own business for many years, funded the Certificate and am now funding the Diploma too, but am increasingly aware that I am in need of hands on experience. This is really depressing after finally taking the plunge to change career direction. I am willing to shadow or even volunteer in H&S departments to get this experience but so far nothing has been forthcoming. Good luck with your endeavours. Jeanne

Posted By sarah myatt Thanks Tracy You do have a very valid point and I don't mind banging my head against the wall after all H&S does still scare some people and we are seen as the enemy-this is the case in my present role. Their only concern is with " doing enough to keep them out of prison!" I document everything I do. The H&S manager and I have made a small impact which does increase my knowledge and experience. The main crux is that in my current role H&S is not recognised. Even if I have to do like you and sometimes bang my head against that wall, that's not a problem at least notice has to been taken to put a wall up! At the moment though, potential employers still require full dip I am also going to look into how to gain tech status. In the meantime my workplace assignment should make interesting reading! Many thanks, Sarah

Posted By sarah myatt Thank you. Very sound advice. I have recently had a couple of interviews and although i wasn't successful has given me interview experience. I will keep plugging away, I now have got the traffic management plan up and running which i am proud of so something is going in! I will keep on learning and hopefully gaining more experience and qualifications to get where I am going. I think in this industry its all about ( sadly) beating your head against the wall! Good luck in enforcement. Regards, sarah.