Sorry I am not sure really what your point is LATCHY; if you are looking for work - you only need to do a search on the careers forum to see that there are many experienced and highly qualified people who are looking for jobs; I include myself in the latter part of that statement (but also CMIOSH and 8+ yrs experience also). Things are tough out there for anyone not already or in need of new employ (as I am) so much so that I am considering moving out of H&S. Qualifications are great but as you rightly point out employers want to see experience and the ability to convert the 'classroom' to the 'shop floor' - have you looked for voluntary work to try and gain experience? I have just contacted an old acquaintance to see if I can shadow him (construction based) to broaden my horizons a little. Give us a bit more of a clue as to what you are looking for and maybe someone else will have a stab at helping you. Cheers Stuie

I think the problem is no one knows what to say or suggest, it not you. I'm also in the same boat, NEBOSH dip, Env Management cert and 26 years of employment doing various things. When I was made redundant I wondered what other courses I should do, but realised every area seemed to be suffering. I also realised that the qualification on its own was not going to do me a lot of good, as all job ads want experience. So doing a specialised asbestos or fire course would be little use without some experience to go with it. Employers want new recruits to hit the job running from day one. The one area that at least was growing was the training industry, but I think people like yourself and myself are starting to realise there is no guarantee afterwards despite the marketing hype. I'm happy to do more training, but in what is the 64,000 dollar question. Having transferable skill is good but other industry sectors are also having problems. Like Stuie I have been considering moving away from H&S, but then find myself competing with others who have already worked in these different areas. I joked at my local job centre this week that you will end up needing special training to pick up litter soon, and she replied you already do. Didn't know what to say after that. I previously whinged on this site over lack of job prospects and in my view some dubious practices by recruitment agencies. I was told there are lots of jobs and not to be so negative. I think they were right on the second part as it does little good. Things are what they are, we have to make the best of the situation and rack our brains to come up with something novel. I understand the issue with the old bank manager; I have just had my credit card taken off me, not because I can't pay, but because I hadn't used it. First thing motor insurance company did when I became unemployed was put my premium up £100, despite my protest that I would be doing a 10th of the mileage. I almost find it amusing now. Keep on going, all the qualifications you have will I’m sure come in useful one day, but you may have to move away from H&S into a different industry and then move back into H&S within that industry. I wish I could be of more help. PS If you find the magic answer please let the rest of us know.