After looking quite hard for a job in the last 2 months for my first H&S position, I was delighted to hear I finally had an interview yesterday. Cut a long story short, they liked me, but I do not have any experience of working at height - so no job - this time.

I've taken 5 certificates in safety in the last 3 years and have completed but not passed my diploma due to my recently discovered dyslexia problems - work at height has been covered in those certificates and I've discussed the subject in various forums, but I've never had to do it personally.

So with that rejection still ringing in my ears, I have looked and found some courses that in theory should put me back on track for any future H&S jobs. :)

https://www.stage-electr.../training-programme.aspx

I can see about 5 more skill certificates I think I need costing about £800.00. :(

My only fear now, is that some bright recruiter will say to me "You're over qualified!"

Hi Kim,

Take a W@H course specifically for the industry you want to work in. For example Heightec in Kendal do an excellent one for the renewables industry.

It includes a day of practical activities where you climb a 15m ladder with a double hook harness, connect yourself to a constant rate descender and then throw yourself off the top. That should certainly give you some first hand experience

Its good fun too

Mr Fibble -- dyslexia won't stop me, but it's just nice to know why it's so hard to achieve anything and why I have become a plodder throughout my life. I usually get there.
I always just figured I was stupid.

Seabee81 -- I have a courses booked now for:

IPAF 3A and 3B in Bristol 27/9,
Working at Height in London 16/10,
PASMA Mobile Tower in Bristol 24/10,
Equipment Suspension in Keswick 30/10,
Pyrotechnic Awareness in Taunton 22/10.

In the meantime I'm looking forward to the IOSH Conference on the 18th September in Cardiff concerning train the trainer.

This is always the case when gaining first entry into the field, I had it after I qualified, spent a year looking for a job, its a hard road, stick at it.

But perhaps at next interview, you can pop in the fact you may not have hte desired experience, but if you dont get a start you will never obtain the desired experience.

Fair dues to you for doing all them courses, the flip side of not having a job, you can actually attend all the training courses in order to better yourself.

Best of luck with it all.