Hi,

I'm looking for a change in career path and have chosen to go down the route of health and safety as it is something that interests me. I have recently finished studying the NGC and are due to receive my results shortly, all being well all passed.

The reason why I am posting is for advice on a matter, perhaps from those who hire and so have an idea of what employers look for or those who have been in the same position past or present. The issue I am having is that I am currently looking for a H&S specific job, nothing ambitious just something to get my foot in the door so to speak, as a trainee or similar role but so far have received no luck. Admittedly, there doesn't seem to be a huge amount of these roles available at least within range of where I live but so far all have come to nothing, not even an interview.

My question is it likely this will change when I officially have the NGC qualification or will it come down to the standard experience issue and if so, how would you recommend I gain this experience through alternative ways? I have had a few different types of jobs mainly in retail but also sales, travel and tourism and education and some have incorporated some aspect of health, safety and the environment in these roles and I am currently a health and safety rep within the company I work for now but I get the impression this isn't enough.

Any information or advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

Andrew

Why does it interest you?
Are there any particular aspects which interest you?
Have you looked at possible study options?

Regards.

With all due respect to all people and further to jodieclarks comments -------""my boss knows I have qualifications while the person I am covering (maternity leave) doesn't""

How on earth does somebody get / hold down a post where they have no academic qualifications in the subject??? I find that this happens particularly in H&S as you cannot get a lawyers, builders, bus drivers, cooks, teachers, designers, JCB driver etc. etc. etc. post unless U have the appropriate bits of paper!!!

Just a comment/rant

I got my first full time role in H&S at he age of 48 without any formal qualifications either. Fortunately my employer had the foresight to see some sort of potential in me. Now I have both the NEBOSH H&S and environmental diplomas and have achieved CMIOSH and AIEMA. Something I would not have been able to do if I had not been in a full time role.

So my question to Bob Youel is, how do you imagine a prospective candidate is able to achieve the qualifications you feel are so essential if they are not already in a H&S role? How many employers do you imagine would be willing to fund those qualifications for someone not in an H&S role?

Everyone has to start somewhere and fortunately some employers understand that.

I have also recently completed my National General Certificate and awaiting Tech Iosh membership which is due for ratification in February 2015.
I am also looking for a career change in Health and Safety but seem not being able to get the breakthrough in a H & S specific job. I am coming from a Health & Social Care NVQ Training & Assessment background and was thinking I could have some compliance/auditor transferrable skills.
Any suggestions on career progression?

Hi All
After reading some of your posts especially Alan's, I would say it that someone who has achieved CMIOSH is only fit to clean out toilets, I would disagree with his opinion as it takes a lot of time and effort to achieve that status.
As far as as health and safety titles go, you can be a manager for a small to medium company but be an advisor for a large company, so its not the title that matters its the company you work for.
On the subject in getting experience why not do some work for a local charity or organisation to gain experience which will look good with any relevant qualifications you have.