Hi all im new to this and looking for some feedback on my progress into the world of health and safety. I am currently 26 years old, reside in a small town in ayrshire. I am a scaffolder to trade with 6 years experience working up and down the country in various sectors, construction, nuclear, and civils, 4 years ago I completed my NEBOSH general certificate and this then led me into doing the degree in health & safety which i gained, which then allowed me to become a grad IOSH member. I have currently progrssed into a trainee contract manager/ health and safet co-ordinators role in a roof safety installation company. I now doing my post grad in fire safety engineering which is going well. I have been really fortunate as my current employer allowed me to do this part time and the various other qualifications I have has been through part time study to allow me to work full time, which inturn has been all selfunded. I know at a relitively young I have achieved alot through taking advice from friends and colleagues, but i would like to point out that i have applied for loads of jobs in health and safety before, is my age a restriction to me getting a chance as i have prevously found that there is alot of older heads in H&S tha seemed sacred of a new young gun coming through lol.

I believe your age is an important factor as with age comes experience However if you have the right passion for the job this will come through if you get an interview, its getting the interview is the problem As m states there are a lot of people looking for safety jobs with very good qualifications, sometimes its being in the right place at the right time so you must persevere Good luck in the future

"I now doing my post grad in fire safety engineering which is going well. I have been really fortunate as my current employer allowed me to do this part time " Perhaps potential employers are asking the question why do you want to leave this good employer so soon!

I like atolson's ironic ommission of a full stop at the end of his post :)

Please could we all return to giving friendly, helpful advice to AMULHO14? AMULHO - a warm welcome to the IOSH forums, I hope you find them helpful in your career. Jane, Moderating team.

AMULHO14, congratulations on passing you’re health and safety courses. In terms of finding your first full-time role I’m afraid the job market is currently very poor in this profession. Many highly qualified and experienced practitioners are out of work and as a result, chasing the same jobs. This has very little to do with your age, rather the economic climate. This will get better and I’m sure you will find a suitable role in the near future, good luck.