Apologies if this has already been covered in the forums but I'm looking for a little careers advice.

I've been with my current company 3 years now starting out as a 'yard lad', I've then gone from doing basic CAD drawings to in charge of Health & Safety.

The company is a small fabrication firm (8 employees) that build large recycling plant machinery. I was told to find a relevant H&S qualification, after some deliberation I chose the NEBOSH Certificate. Wow, what an eye opener - this firm had nothing in place whatsoever.

Before finishing my qualification I had to write the company H&S Policy(!), produce full risk assessments, create hot work permits, site permits - the works! Now I'm qualified and have improved the H&S culture here somewhat (although it's certainly not perfect- changing attitudes throughout the firm!) I'm starting to look elsewhere to kick start my career properly.

Do junior adviser jobs come up often? What can I add to my CV that'll improve my career prospects?

I am awaiting confirmation of Technical member in the next few days. I guess this will help..

Look forward to a bit of much needed advice. Richard. East Yorks.

Hi
Why not stay where you are for a while at it sounds as if there is a lot to be done and your current employer has obviously seen the benefits of implementing H&S. There is a lot you could learn by introducing everything that is needed and you may not get such an opportunity elsewhere. If your current employer has paid for your training and he starts to see the benefit he may decide it's worth improving your package. The grass is not always greener!
MG

Hi Richard,
I am in a similar position to yourself. I have been with my company 11 years, done various different roles (if not all of them in a production sense). 15 Months ago I was asked to assist the new H&S manager and get him well acquainted onsite. Then he quit 3 months later.....
The role was offered to me with training and consultancy; I now have my Iosh managing safely, NGC, I have started my Nebosh Dip and will be taking on the manual handling once that training has been achieved. Its been a very productive year and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I can understand your concerns about workplace control measures (or lack of) the changing attitudes and what it feels like to have made a difference. I am going to stay where I am, continue the good work I started and see what its like in a couple of years time. I would suggest that this might be a good option for you also?
If not, then certainly continue your CPD, update your CV with examples of what you have achieved so far and really sell yourself. Financially, there are some cracking opportunity out there, personally I think they also demand a certain amount of experience. Good luck and keep up the good work!

Thank you to all for your very welcoming advice.

Although I'm gaining valuable experience at my current workplace, my employer can no longer support any more training. He sees the hard work I put in and what I've done is enough to keep him happy. I have tried to convince the senior management that extra training will benefit the company but in times of hardship the funding isn't there so I'll be funding my own qualifications if I stay put.

I will keep checking the job posts and also look into an NVQ5.

Thanks again for your advice.