Good Evening

I am looking for my first break into the world of H&S.

I am 24, have a law degree and currently work for a law company specialising in accident claims. However I would now like to follow a different career path.

I gained an interest in health and safety from whist doing research for my degree and I feel it would offer me a broad and interesting career and present the challenges which I feel are currently missing.

As a starting point on this new career path, I recently undertook the NEBOSH General Certificate as a home study course passing with a Credit and have also recently joined IOSH. My next move is to try and secure a position where I can gain practical experience and use my new skills.
Having done some research, I believe the Construction Industry is an area where the ratio of female employees is way below that of male counterparts and I would like to redress the balance. In addition to construction I would also be happy to gain experiences in the manufacturing; pharmaceutical; petrochemical or nuclear sectors.

I am committed to learning and broadening my experience and view continuous development as essential in this exciting career. Moving forward, I would then like to study for the NEBOSH Construction Certificate and enrol on the NVQ5 aiming towards Chartered Membership of IOSH. My previous work experience has enabled me to develop excellent written and communication skills. My current role has particularly enhanced this as I have to explain legal matters to clients to ensure they understand processes. My Law degree and current role have developed my ability to understand legal matters and regulations, for example, the Ministry of Justice Protocols.

To gain some experience of the industry, I have taken a week’s holiday to shadow a Construction Safety Advisor which I enjoyed immensely.

I currently reside near Leeds which is my preferred location or I am able to locate to the North Hampshire area. I would also consider other areas if I could afford to live there.

I would appreciate any leads you may have or further advice on how I can move things further forward.

Thanks for reading.
Michaela

Firstly good for you!

If you have LinkedIn, make sure you use this- it is great networking and comment on discussions- it gets you noticed! Not quite the path you may be interested in perhaps but I moved from H/S Administrator to a Building Services Dept in a Trainee Compliance position- though I don't have construction experience- this so far is quite a practical method of understanding what is going on- I am getting involved in a lot of fire safety, asbestos and legionella. Perhaps this is a potential kind of stop gap you may be interested in? There is a fair bit of admin, but also a fair bit of going on site and seeing what is going on so its quite a nice mix of desk and "out and about" work. I am working towards my Diploma and it is giving me useful snippets of info being in this role, and am now seriously considering a Fire Safety Managers Qualification to boot.

Whatever path you decide to take- best of luck, please keep us updated!

You may wish to consider the major insurers who have Casualty Risk Control specialists.