Posted By stephen johnson Hi Everyone, Being a new member of IOSH, I thought I would draw on the vast amount of experience out there. I am due to leave the Forces shortly and would like to work in the Construction Industry as a HSQE Advisor/Consultant or even a Project Manager. However, I seem to be hitting a wall with regards to experience. I keep getting the chicken and egg syndrome!! I need experience but how am I going to get experience in the industry if no one gives me the opportunity? I have done a myriad of roles within the Forces and for the last 3 years I have had a role with a H & S background. I have registered with a number of agencies and the feeling I get is that I have the right boxes ticked on my CV, however my lack of experience in the industry is my shortfall. I currently hold a NEBOSH General Certificate and I am due to take the NEBOSH Construction Certificate in December. I also hold the CIEH Professional Trainers Certificate. I live in the north east (Darlington for my sins!) and would prefer to work in this area, however I would not rule out another part of the country if the package was attractive enough. I do have a CV that I can email on request. I would appreciate thoughts and advice or even the offer of a job from the fellow members out there. Thank you for taking the time to read this thread. Taffbo

Posted By Lilian McCartney Hi Stephen, When I worked in Local Authorities we often had folks about to leave the forces come for work experience. I'm not sure how they were 'referred' to us. One guy was a brother of one of the road workers but the rest we were aske dif they could shadow us. I don't know if the forces have some scheme for this? Sorry, not in your area and in different employment now. Lilian

Posted By Dougie When I left the forces I was in a very similar position. What is your forces background ? If you e-mail me I may be able to give you a bit of a steer.

Posted By alex mccreadie Stephen I can give you a name and number of someone who will give you a start because of your background and qualifications. People on this forum will give you loads of help but be proud of being ex military as it means you can get up early, you dont mind mud, and you can understand bull----.I would E Mail you but I have some kind of server problem. Good luck Alex

Posted By stephen johnson TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ADDED TO MY THREAD SO FAR Thank you all, I have gained so worthy experience from your comments. Regards Steve

Posted By Andy Stones Stphen, Drop me a copy of your CV. andrew.stones@aohltd.co.uk Andy.

Posted By Rob Sheldon Send me your CV we are based in York and maybe able to help you. email: robsheldoncsr@btinternet.com

Posted By Davelfc Stephen, Send me a copy of your CV and I will pass it on to two of my good freinds in the North East. Though as one of the posts pointed out its Ok networking at this time and researching when you have an availability date and you are close to it then doors will open I am sure. Over to Billy, Billy are you in the South East? I am working down there myself, doing the weekly commute from the North West maybe we can meet up Dave Hudson. Stepehn all the best with your job search Dave

Posted By GARRY WIZZ Ex squaddie here again. My tips and they have worked for me. Taking the HSE out the equation, are you forwarding a CV that will get you an interview. Your dealing with civies and they read different, get yours checked out to see that it is geared to getting an interview. Is does not pay to tell pork pie's, but on the other hand do not volenter information that does not enhance your chances of getting a job interview. Apply for jobs you don't want and try to get an interview. This allows you to practise your interview tech in a live situation which is all part of that PPPPPP Garry

Posted By Manny 22 years as a military policeman and you want a job in construction safety? What exactly are you going to put in your CV that will make anyone from the industry look up and take an interest?

Posted By stephen johnson Manny In answer to your questions: Firstly, although I was a Military Policeman, I also held other positions within my time in the Army. My last job was Transport Operations Manager and I was responsible for the H & S of a workshop, so I have some experience there. Secondly, I am actually shadowing 2 companies at the moment to gain and extend my knowledge in the construction industry. One is quite a large Civil Engineering firm and the other is a H & S Consultancy. I have also taken the NEBOSH Construction Certificate and will hopefully gain a pass! I also hold the title of Tech IOSH. So hopefully these factors will appeal to a future employer. I also possess a lot of transferable skills that would be beneficial to any employer and I also feel that (1) I have the ability to do the job and (2) I am still young enough to commence a second career. I don't understand where you are coming from with your questions? My reason for posting a thread on this site is it was recommended to me by a friend to do so. I must say in the majority of responses I have received I have been given positive feedback and encouraging advice to help me achieve my goal. I hope this has alleviated your concerns about my predicament? Regards Taffbo

Posted By Dave Wilson The Military is a GREAT place to get and hone very useful tranferrable skills. Everyone in the Military has managerial and man management experience and a can do / will do attitude, If only employers knew? feel a bit of a cold and a we sniffle coming on, phone in sick you don't get that with ex forces!