Rank: New forum user 
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Could anyone out there put things into perspective in order to make the reality a bit more understandable and easy to deal with, when it comes to overcoming the important hurdle of initial acceptance and role suitability, during the H&S recruitment process.
We have all heard the: “you have got to keep trying …” and that “we have all been there at one point or another…” yet I have to admit to my modest opinion a more recession proof approach, which is more adaptable and individually suited to prospective candidates, who have decided to bravely face the job hunting reality in the field is being introduced.
I guess it would not be far fetched to say it is a bit of a “catch 22” story.
One needs to have the appropriate certification by industry-recognised body, in order to even become an inch closer to being accepted as a potential job candidate, and naturally put the feet on the door and begin learning the real duties and daily responsibilities of so many of the Safety practitioners out there both in the private and the public sector, here in UK.
Yet without the experience one has no chance in being accepted as a suitable candidate on a first place.
You do have to have the certification to get going and get the experience, which far too often gets to be build up over one’s long professional interaction and the ability to adapt, and accept established techniques and implement them for the specific market niche.
Yet it has to be noted that companies and organizations these day have such high expectations in terms of candidate’s exposure to the management of both occupational safety and environmental control, that without proven track record, it seem to be very unrealistic to be accepted for a job position even at the initial stages.
Is apprenticeship the answer?
I am leaving this for the boys with senior roles to decide. Naturally being taken under the wing of an established professional and guided to what is what in the real world out there may actually assist in the creation of a confident and capable professional with both academic and practical hands on background.
How did you guys started up the ladder, perhaps your encouraging stories will benefit us all who are currently looking to enter the field, perhaps an inside and a secret or two, should you decide to share, will bring some sense of normality to all of us on the other side…
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Rank: Forum user
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IMO, sadly there is no definate answer.
Prior to entering the occupational health and safety profession, I served an indentured apprenticeship as a lift engineer and had 18 years electro - mechanical experience before changing careers, which no doubt gave me an "advantage" and definately helped me in my H&S career.
Then the recession came, and I found myself a member of the misfortune 2,5 million club (a very distinguished club I may add). Despite my engineering background AND my 12 years H&S experience, I have been unable to find another position - I know, bring out the violins and tissues.
So Siarov 23909, all I can say is what I and thousands of others are doing, just keep on plugging away and hopefully something will come up, sooner rather than later.
Good luck !!
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Rank: Forum user 
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Peter
It is difficult to get into health and safety straight from University or College, it is normally easier if you where involved in some other trade or occupation which has an health and safety element to it. You can then show you have experience in that particular sector, before applying a health and safety spin to it as a health and safety advisor. This could put you in the driving seat for oppotunities in your chosen sector.
At times it is being at the right place at the right time and having a bit of luck on the day and also getting in during the boom times in the economy. This is what I done and it paid off for me.
The recession does not help as it limits the opportunities for people to progress in their health and safety careers, although fingers crossed things should improve ( for some sectors this year ).
John.
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Rank: New forum user
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Dear John and Adrian,
Thanks for responding to my topic and sharing your experience.
This is certainly an ongoing issue to many of us looking for the opportunity to enter the profession.
In my particular case though, I have some 10 years working on Construction sites in London and having had the privilege to work for big name in the industry like McGee PLC, John Doyle PLC, Bovis Land Lease, Galliford Try PLC, Carillion etc. as a subcontractor, I do believe I have deep understanding and knowledge of how do things work in the construction world and the impact of safety both in terms of regulations and it’s practical day to day implementation.
The thing is that despite of the fact that I did have various roles with all of them, starting form basic operative and then progressing to competent plant operator and often having additional roles assisting with translations etc, this was all done from the point of view of employee following safety procedures and requirements, as much as the next guy.
Subsequently, when in the need to enter at different level with more managerial responsibilities, the rest of the company management expects you to have knowledge of specific safety systems and procedures and exposure to relevant safety topics, both in the office, while doing the paperwork and at the ground level, while relating safety issues to personnel.
So here comes the same question, how do you jump from one to the other and is not the apprenticeship an answer.
I am sure a lot of folks out there would gladly agree to participate working as apprentices for a companies and organizations as long as they gain specific access to safety management roles and then build the so much needed experience.
Especially now, considering the current economic climate, the presence of a structure or more define system, where apprenticeship is encouraged may benefit both jobseekers and companies alike.
Naturally you have to be knowledgeable and posses the right qualities in order to be accepted on a first place, yet only in a real world environment on a day to day basis, can one really benefit and continue building confidence and experience in any chosen field.
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Rank: Forum user
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I have to agree that work for H&S practictioners is a little thin on the ground and many companies have taken advantage of this to attract better qualified/experienced staff to lower paid positions which they may in better economic times not have considered.
It is difficult for anyone attempting to enter the world of H&S to get a foot in the door. I was a union trained H&S Rep before redundancy in 1993 and went on to take NEBOSH NGC plus additional qualifications in personnel, management and training. Yet 17 years later a full time H&S is still beyond my grasp.
One of my previous employers had an equal opportunities policy that guaranteed you an interview if you had the relevant qualifications but, a branch manager with Health & Safety qualifications would never be appointed H&S officer because his area/regional managers would object so bring in an outsider no experience in the sector but many transferrable skills.
I am still at the bottom of the H&S ladder but hope that the message I give out to those who know me is that I am committed to improving H&S in the workplace irrespective of my job role.
We can only keep checking the job sites you never know what may turn up. One day a former manager may just appreciate your input and offer you the position you desire.
Good luck.
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