Posted By John Fraser WJH Seems to be the way of the land in the U.K right now. It was difficult to get into H & S normally without the added burden of the credit crunch. It will be tough to get into H & S over this year or early next year if you don't have experience or CMIOSH Status. John

Posted By MH1982 Hi WJH I must say i couldn't agree more. I have some experience and qualifications but yet find it impossible for someone to give me a chance and prove to them that i can become valuable member of there team. I'm determined to succeed in health and safety and progress to a professional health and safety manager. I just need that employer to give me a break so i can prove to them how much i want this. I'm trying my best to stay positive but its hard. Anybody out there willing to give me the opportunity wont regret it.

Posted By MH1982 Hi I also understand what you are saying, but even before the whole credit crunch kicked off people were still having the same problems with regards to getting a break in Health and Safety. I thought i had finally got my foot in the door but due to the current climate the company who i was working for have been effected and i have now found myself back in a simlar position as before. I have even offered to work for free to some of the larger contractors to build on my experience but no one seems to have the time to help you progress. I think the point WJH is making is that if a few more of the larger contractors could give some of the new guys a chance it would be of great help they have graduate and trainee schemes for all other trades but not in health and safety. I don't want massive salaries yet because i understand maybe i haven't the years of experience but some, scheme should be set up like you have in lots of other jobs for apprentices or trainees to help people achieve there ambitions and goals and to develop there careers in health and safety. I think there alot of frustrated people out there who are ready to give up due to the lack of opportunities that are provided for newly qualified health and safety advisors.

Posted By MH1982 Hi members I was wondering if anyone who is in senior position could maybe take a few minutes to look at my c.v and highlight any issues that maybe of problem, or if they think that my c.v is suitable and its just down to the lack of experience. I have sent my c.v to number of recruiters and never seem to get any feedback or opportunities of an interview. If you could either email me direct through this link or post a response it would be much appreciated. Many Thanks MH1982

Posted By MH1982 Hi Suffolkman My email is markh26@hotmail.com

Posted By John Fraser William Tell The larger companies do have graduate schemes for graduates / trainees who want to specicialise in the core activities of these larger businesses in the u. i.e Civil Engineering / Chemistry etc. However these larger companies don't have trainee schemes for h & s people as they are expected to have experience already in their chosen field. Before I joined my current organisation I had many interviews for the larger construction firms in the UK - Balfour; Carillion; Kier ; MOD and all these firms wanted people with specific Heavy civil experience. It could be worthwhile looking which smaller contractors have been awarded work ( Private or Public Sector )and sending an speculative letter / CV to see if there is a possible h & s post available, if there is it could be a chance to get some much needed experience. John

Posted By Suffolkman Sezm 2105 I was pleased today to see there are still a fair number of jobs advertised in SHP magazine If there is any justice someone with your positive attitude and willingness to re- train should get a break I posted this Question on the members forum a couple of days ago: - "I was just wondering what the institute will be doing to help members affected by redundancy/ layoff/ tightening jobs market? And particularly since one of the best ways to survive a recession is to retrain/ up-skill will there be any 'special offers' on the cost of IOSH CPD courses?" No responses from IOSH yet!!