I am currently working in the family construction business with part time H&S responsibilities. I am keen to move into Health and Safety full time, so have applied for numerous jobs, advertised through different recruitment agencies. Although I have my Nebosh Diploma and National General certificate, aswell as being a qualified tradesman with 16 years experience, I haven't even made it as far as an interview. I am hoping to add more onto my CV to give me a better chance. Does anyone have any advice on what other courses I should take to move into a career into Health and Safety in the construction industry? I was thinking of a HNC in construction but my mate(who has a H&S job, yet can't pass the diploma) says this is a waste of time.

Sounds like your pretty well qualified already, maybe try to expand the detail on your currend H&S role's experience?? I agree the NEBOSH Fire cert is a good move (Ive just completed this) but have you considred the NEBOSH Construction Cert?? most constructions jobs ask for this now days, Id go for the construction cert over the fire if thats the trade you want to stay in.

You could also consider:
Internal Auditing
Environmental Quals -NEBOSH or IEMA
If you have your diploma you can just do one year (PT/distance learning) at some uni's and achaive a BSc degree (Which is my current plan)

But courses arent everything -so really try to emphasise what experience you do have on your CV

Good luck

I would agree with Kate. Do you think it is your experience rather than Qualifications that let you down. Could you bolster your experience (within the family firm) ?

Or is it just a case your CV needs a review to better sell your experience.

What in the job adverts you apply for do they require you either don't have or are slightly week in. Is there a course you could do to help in those areas.

I would say Environmental Quals is not bad to have and goes nicely with H&S.

Chris

I agree with all of the above, you could also consider the range of courses that IOSH provides ie. Risk Assessment, Manual Handling Instructional Technique and Managing Safely or courses offered by other providers such as OHSAS 18001 Lead Auditor/Auditor, ISO 9001 Quality Internal Auditor, ATEX/DSEAR Zoning. I also have Level 3 Food hygiene in Catering which is handy because it allows me to do 2nd party audits on the caterers that operate our "On site" canteen. Your Diploma should hold you in good stead (I'm a mere Tech IOSH) I've built up a number of qualifications over the years but you don't really gain anything from them unless you use them and can demonstrate a wide breadth of knowledge and experience.

I've never had to compete for a safety role in the UK as I started my first safety post in the Middle East where I'm still employed.

Good Luck