Posted By Andy123
Hi Graeme,

I think that you are right as far as most industries are suffering with the recession. Personally this is the first time I have been actively seeking a new role, in the 5 years I have been primarily health and safety based.

Many businessess are focusing on cost cutting measures to ensure they survive through these tough times and unfortunately H & S can be one of the first things that can get cut.

There are many organisations that are being succesful and expanding and I think the opportunities are out there and are very much focused on applicants being extremely competent to Diploma standards, but there are opportunities out there for entry level and NGC holders, its about persistence and selling yourself to those employers.

As we are going through a recession,its just a little harder than normal at the moment, and during my job search I have also found that 'your experience doesn't match our clients requirements' kind of conversations, which can be disheartening.

But I just pick myself up and carry on marketing my skills and experience. I think this can happen in any industry, however the skills and expereince gained from health and safety study and meeting other professionals will provide a sound foundation for a career in health and safety.

Taking the NGC is a worthwhile study programme, and it will give you a very broad range of health and safety areas and will also develop your knowledge of risk assessment and management principles of occupational health and safety further.

I wouldn't disregard the NGC study due to the lack of jobs, but to think of it as a positive step forward to enhancing your knowledge, experience and academic quals.

Good Luck.

Regards
Andy

Posted By WayneF
Graeme
whilst I agree times are hard, I also think this could be a selling point for you??

We recently took on a chap just out of the navy who had just done his NEBOSH Gen Cert. Unlike you he wasn't an engineer but I guess like you, came with a demob training credit package which means the company will not have to pay for his Diploma.

I think many hard FM companies would be interested in an engineer with H & S credentials and can self fund at a time of cutbacks. This should be your selling point.

Good luck
Wayne

Posted By srd
Graeme, Wayne has made a very good point which I had not realised. If you have a training credit package to your name then this in my view would be an excellent selling point, and as Wayne said should form the basis of your job applications.

Steve.

Posted By bereznikov
Paul,

Ciould you please email me some stuff too? Im struggling also.


bereznikov

Posted By IOSH Moderator
Please remember because a responder offers help to an individual, it does not neccesserily mean they will respond to numerous messages here on the forum - for that reason please ensure contact is made directly through the live link.

Thank you

Mike
IOSH Moderator

Posted By www.hsepeople.com
[reference removed] is a new website designed exclusively for people working or recruiting in the area of Health and Safety. The site is 100% Free to join and offers members the ability to exchange information and network in a way that has not been possible until now. [reference removed] combines the best features of Social Networking, Job Sites and Training resources all in one place.

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Kevin Forbes
www.hsepeople.com