Hi All,

After losing count on the amount of applications I have made, various types work experiences and a good few interviews I have finally managed to secure my first h&s role as a trainee health and safety officer. To anyone who is trying to get their first role within h&s, my advice would be to be persistent and pro-active and to be open-minded about what roles you are suitable for. Admittedly I am having to re-locate in order to get my foot in the door, but I am happy to make that sacrifice in the short-term.

Here is where I would appreciate a little advice.....
My employer is a vocational college that offers apprentices the chance to train in various engineering fields including, aeronautical, mechanical, rail, electronic etc as well as offering courses in construction, manufacturing, motor vehicle maintenance and the like. Obviously these courses mean students working with machinery that pose medium to high risk environments.

Whilst there is another post today involving health and safety in schools which is useful, I wondered what things/areas should I focus on first and thereafter, given the nature of my surroundings. I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel especially since its not broken but all the same, I'm keen to make a positive first impression.

Thanks in advance