Rank: Forum user 
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Can anyone offer me some guidance? I am a Union appointed health and safety representative. This is a voluntary role for which I do not get paid. In order to know my role I have attended several Union and TUC funded courses through Northern college. These include;
IOSH working Safely,
IOSH Managing Safely
Incident Management and Investigation
Certificate in Environmental Management
ISO14001 Auditor
Diploma in Occupational Safety and Health (not Nebosh)
I then attempted to move into full time health and safety without any success. Although my Diploma granted me Tech status, the only conclusion I can draw from my lack of success is that potential employers are not familiar with my qualifications as they are not mainstream. To help rectify this I will be doing the Nebosh General Certificate in June. Then in September I am aiming to do the Nebosh Fire Certificate. Where should I be going next, the Nebosh Diploma or a BSc? I would be grateful for any advice.
Brett
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi Brett
I am not convinced that it is your lack of qualifications (as perceived or understood by prospective employers); I think the whole H&S job market is flooded with highly qualified (no disrespect meant to you) and experienced safety professionals at the moment. If you do a search on these forums you will see many many people including Chartered members who cannot find work.
You seem keen which is good - crack on with your training (is your employer funding - great if so?) gain some more experience go for chartered membership when your quals will allow; and then see what the job market looks like. It is pretty bleak at present so if I was in your shoes I would batten down the hatches, be thankful you are working (assume you are - apologies if not) and gaining experience and take what you can.
Sorry to be so negative.
Stuart
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the reply Stuart! The current economic climate is definitely not helping any of us. So it will be a case of continued learning whilst I'm still working.
Nick, the PM was a great help cheers!
Many thanks
Brett
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Stuie's advice hits the nail on the head.
Your planned NEBOSH activities sound sensible, after that I think you need to reflect again on what's next.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi
Your NEBOSH is the duplicate level (that of a 3) of what you already have. Why not just enrol on the NVQ Level 5, which is the next step?
Legards
Linda
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Rank: Forum user
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Brett
I would check with IOSH as I believe your Diploma should get you Grad Status , which would allow you to start your IPD en route to Chartered Status.
Regards
Simon
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Linda
The Nebosh General is penciled in for June. I was offered 50% of the funding for this course by my local union branch. Although I will be covering old ground I felt that getting another qualification that was partly funded was too good an opportunity to miss. The NVQ Level 5 should be my next step, but would going straight to a BSc increase my opportunities?
Hi Simon
I did query my entry level on joining. However, I've sent an email asking for further clarification, but am not expecting any change. It'll be fantastic if there is.
Kind regards
Brett
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Rank: Super forum user
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Brett,
Im assuming the Diploma you hold is the TUC Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety? This being the case, it is a level 3 qualification which meets the academic requirements for Tech IOSH only.
This information can be found from the information leaflet at the following link.
http://www.unionlearn.or...ducation/learn-95-f0.cfm
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Brett
i like so many others have just popped on to site for a wee look for advice, its depresing, your told to try and better yourself study,and then well there is no jobs, the problem there are just so many more qualified/expierenced people out there at the moment, am in same postion, and understand how disheartning it is.
the good news is there are a lot of good people on the various forums,who are full of advice,and wisdom.
Good luck
Dougie
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Rank: Guest
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Things are very tricky try SHP and hsejobs.proboards.com which has links to Job Centre and every pertinent site. Keep trying and dont give up maybe try volantary work.
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Rank: Guest
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Bmann your diploma is the same level as the NEBOSH general certificate, Linda XC gave the correct advice go straight to NVQ level 5 or the NEBOSH Diploma
Your qualifications entitle you to TECH IOSH status at the moment
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Rank: Forum user
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Bret,
I took the same route as you now find yourself on. I was a H&S rep for 7 years, completing the Unionlearn courses up to and including the Diploma.
Don't give up trying as the right job will present itself eventually. I would recommend networking, that's how I got offered my current HSE Advisor role.
Stewart
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Rank: New forum user
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Be aware of other HSE options. I left the police with a good bit of HSE experience and a NEBOSH Certificate. Normal application routes as an HSE assistant/officer/advisor got no replies. I eventually went to a part time Safety Coaching position. This was interesting, led to class room work and finally into a full time HSE role within the offshore renewables sector. Coaching is a niche role but really interesting if you enjoy a lot of interaction with the staff.
Be aware of the renewable offshore wind sector. It is expanding quickly with opportunities for qualified but not necessarily experienced staff. My company took on 3 of the four HSE staff who were qualified but had no industry experience. We work a 4/4 week rotation which will not suit everyone but is a good start. The industry gives you lots of exposure to a broad range of HSE work. From engineering and electricilty to the CDM rules. Look at the wind/renewable websites.
Dave
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