Posted By jono 30
Hi
I have just been made unemployed.I was a foreman steel decker for the last 8 yrs due to to the recent downturn in the construction industry i am looking to retrain.I have just enrolled on the nebosh general course which starts in feb,I would just like some advice on any other courses that would compliment this course.And some advice on how and were to gain employment on gaining my certificate.Is there jobs out there for someone who as trained later on in life.I am 30 yrs old.would be grateful for any help an advice.
many thanks.
john

Posted By Allan Curran
Depending on what part of the country you are in, jobs for someone with the General Certificate are hard to come by.

I would recommend doing the Nebosh Diploma - even doing it opens up more opportunities for you.

Posted By Jim T
As part of the role of Safety Professional is often presentation and training also think about CIEH professional Trainers Certificate or City & Guilds 7303.

Just makes you that little bit more attractive to potential employers.

Jim

Posted By Tony Lawton
Hi jono

my comments are :

1) One step at a time, focus on the Nebosh Gen Certificate (it isnt easy) before worrying about other quals.

2) If your attending a college to do it, talk to the people on your course too for advice - i did that, and it helped me pass my nebosh Gen Cert.

3) Dont worry about the 'later in life' - your only 30, im 41 and changing my career from shop floor > supervisory > management, to be a qualified health and safety advisor. You have good life experience in a working environment which should not be disregarded and no doubt can relate to the health and safety issues in your industry.

Hope that helps

Tony

Posted By Tony Lawton
Jono

No, I did not apply for, or get, a health and safety advisor job after I got the cert - I used it when applying for supervisory / managerial roles within the telecommunications industry and im certain it played a significant part in me being successful. It gave the message that I took health and safety seriously enough 'on the coal face' to seek professional qualifications.

At that time, I did not wish to move into health and safety as an advisor, I simply wished to know the wider issues and responsibilities, and use the cert to enhance my applications for work.

Today of course is different - I very much want to work in health and safety, decided to further my knowledge through the diploma route, and work part time in a busy Health and Safety dept to get practical experience too.

Whatever way to look at it, your doing the right thing - go after the general cert and keep at it until you get it.

Then take it from there. Just remember its valuable to have even if you decide not to pursue a health and safety career - use it to your advantage in all employment sectors, its what I did.

Regards
Tony