Hi, I am new to the forums and have been quite shocked by what I am reading regarding the lack of jobs and career prospects out there. I had (just about) decided to enrol on the NEBOSH Diploma in January, I have experience in the energy, leisure and construction industry's. I was keen to get into contract construction H&S work however I am now very worried and not sure I am going down the right route! Opinions and advice very welcome!

Hi Dan99 Don't forget to look at local university diplomas/degrees etc - these are often cheaper than NEBOSH diploma and the assessment process is easier to interrogate (by that I mean you get to ask questions of those actually setting all the exam questions, rather that being lucky to have a lecturer that may have set one of the NEBOSH questions - so you get more of a feel for what the assessor may be looking for). The S/NVQ route is also available if you are already in a job where health and safety is a significant part of the role, as MB1 indicates this will give you experience and qualification. The S/NVQ route can however be a lonely one as you may not have opportunity to bounce ideas of other practitioners. The academic route gives you this. If you question is, "is this the right time to seek qualification" then that is a difficult one to answer as personal circumstances will come into play. If personal circumstances were supportive then I would encourage you to pursue the Graduate Status - sometimes the longer you wait the more difficult (for a number of reasons) completion becomes. Adding specialisims to your portfolio could also be a way forward, eg Noise assessor, COSHH assessor, Fire Risk assessor etc - as the ability to demonstrate competence becomes more and more critical this could also be a useful route to pursue, but remember those chasing the jobs that are out there are likely to include many GradOSH and Chartered members so you will need to stand out in a well qualified crowd. Go along to a local branch meeting and try a face to face chat with a few of the committee they will be able to offer you lots of advice based on your personal circumstances. hope this helps Stuart

I think it is a difficult time to break into health and safety, few jobs and apparently lots of applicants. Me thinks the bubble has burst. If I was advising anyone I would say get into environmental management, that is where the future lies, or possibly quality management.

Unfortunately at present I would not advise anyone to try and break into the H&S field as it is over saturated. My company recently advertised for a EHS assistant, they wanted someone with a NEBOSH general cert and were offering £20,000 circa. We had 125 applications after an initial sift of approx 350. 60% of the 125 applicants were experienced H&S practitioners with NEBOSH Diploma, some were even CMIOSH. It saddens me to see such well qualified and experienced practitioner going for such low level positions but that's what it has come to. If you have only basic qualifications and limited experience I think you will find it difficult to secure a position in the current climate when up against such high calibre applicants. Those that are employed within the sector should think ourselves lucky as I suspect things are going to get worse before they get better. I wish you all the luck in the future and hope you do secure a position...

I think many people out there want experienced people and are willing to pay for it. The only way you get experience is taking on the jobs that everyone else wants until you rise to a higher level. The NEBOSH Diploma is recognised as being the standard for [reference removed] and is most quoted in job searches. This week it is predicted to have the highest unemployment rate for 17 years so anything that give you the edge has to be good for you. Good luck for the future.

Dan, can't really comment on the NEBOSH environmental diploma as I know nothing of the course. There are, however, many other environmental courses to choose from. Yes, it's a shame what has happened within our industry regarding jobs. In this current climate employers have the upper hand and are asking lot and offering very little in terms of salaries. Some years ago there was much discussion about how chartered status would enhance career prospects, salaries and so on. Several years on the future does not look good. Okay, the recession was not taken into account. Oh for the benefit of hindsight.

I have recently completed my Professional Diploma in Safety, Health and Environmental Management, through Nottingham Trent University. Despite having limited experience within HSE, I'm confident I will secure a post, as I'm allowing myself to be open to all sorts of possibilities and opportunities. I've already managed to secure one interview (although I wasn't successful,I was told that my C.V was spot on, so I must be doing something right!) I've recently completed a shadowing scheme through IOSH, and feel quite chuffed that I was part of the initial pilot project, and was invited to their launch, which took place last week at the annual food and drink conference. I was also able to talk to quite a few people in the industry, and hopefully got myself known to a few people. In order to prepare for that occasion, I had some professional business cards made up. I know it's hard out there, and I wish you well in your pursuit of a career within HSE.

I'm finding that I'm having to do an awful lot of explaining regarding my Prof Dip, as very few people seem to be aware of it. It's also a blend of level 5 and 6 with the Environmental part being at level 7. I think some employers, and agencies for that matter have become blinkered when it comes to the diploma, and steer clear of qualifications that they've never heard of.

Hi DP, Thanks, I'm aware of their RM MSC, and that may be a route I follow once I'm in the profession, as I'm seeking my first "real" post. Also, I've spent so much time studying, and it's cost a small fortune so far, so I'd like to earn my keep! :) I'm itching to get into HSE as I'm really passionate about the subject and what we, as professionals stand for.

Hi Guys, The NEBOSH National Diploma is accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at Level 6 in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is also mapped against the current ENTO National Occupational Standards (NOS) at Level 4 'Occupational Health and Safety Practice' The routes to CMIOSH are diffierent but a Nebosh Diploma student must also prepare a Skills development Portfolio (Akin to NVQ Portfolio) and then complete a Peer Review. A student taking the NVQ route must sit an open assessment (Based on QCA level 6 - as the Nebosh Diploma) and then complete a peer review. So there is is little difference, but either way - Whether you have a Nebosh Diploma or NVQ L4 (Now level 5 Diploma) it really doesn't matter as you must have experience in your chosen sector to get the job and there are many many sectors out there. So its up to you and whatever rocks your boat