Posted By Bob Youel what is your design experience as if you have none you also need to look at training re this area

Posted By Southerner Without extensive design experience and even more extensive knowledge of construction techniques and practices your going to very seriously struggle. In fact its probably a non starter. Although there is some consultancies that don't do a proper job who would probably take you on. Ultimately in the current climate there is next to no construction jobs anyway and most consultancies are laying people off not taking people on.

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith The trouble is that we now have a client who is expecting the CDM-C practitioners working on their projects to have Registered Membership of Association for Project Safety. Starting off without construction experience, could be at least a seven year journey and you would also need achieve other professional qualifications. See: http://www.associationfo...ipRequirements211108.pdf

Posted By 4lfie Hi Max It all sounds very dis-heartening does'nt it, but I assure you that we all start somewhere. Have you considered going for the Diploma? I believe this could be a way forward for you if you are indeed serious about this, however I must stress that this course is not for the faint hearted; it does take a tremendous degree of effort, but it will provide you with some under pinning knowledge especially when it comes to studying "HAZOPS" as the basis of CDM is descended from this principle. Plus a can't see anyone questioning your competence from an academic perspective once you've achieved this. In regard to experience I would consider trying to gain a position as a secondee to a Construction H&S manager, as you will have to relate yourself to certain scenarios in a practical sense when it comes to you eventually sitting in the CDM chair of a Design Team Meeting. You will probably find yourself naturally drifting towards the realms of CDMC by taking this route anyway. There is no way to rapidly or "safely" fast track the process (nor should there be) but this way should gain you adequate competency within a few years. Good luck with your career, hope it all works out for you. Cheers Alfie

Posted By Michelle Max As stated above competence is going to be an issue. But that does not mean it's impossible. You need to get experience within a design team as soon as possible. Now, depending on which sector you'd like to focus on you have a few different routes. If you want to be CDMC for "red brick box" or housing construction I suggest approaching property developers and their favoured Architects. If highways, tunnels, pipes and big civils is your thing, try the likes of Mouchel, Mott MacDonald or Atkins pitching yourself as trainee or assistant CDMC. If you want to try your hand at some more elegant structures, try Arup, Buro Happold or Whitbybird. Arup were recruiting recently. I think the thing to accept is that you are not going to be considered competent very quickly. Going back a few years my first job as a planning supervisor was worth £120M, and I didn't even have the construction certificate at the time. That is exactly the sort of thing that we are trying to avoid by introducing competence of all parties to the 07 regs. Stick with it, there are plenty of people here that can help you out.