Rank: New forum user
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I have been applying for health and safety jobs since I completed my NEBOSH certificate in 2013 and I have just recently graduated with BA in Occupational Health and Safety Management, however I have not had much success in my job hunt. I have been invited to a few interviews, sometimes get invited back for a second interview, but unfortunately I am often told I just don't have enough experience. Does anyone know of any companies/organisations that would take on a volunteer for health and safety work? I am thinking if I could just get the opportunity to gain more practical experience I may be more likely to succeed in future interviews.
Thanks (in advance) for your help.
Layna
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Layna
Have you looked at part roles to start with? My first role was a health and safety administrator/ PA which gave me some very useful experience as I was involved in all different aspects of health and safety. You could also look at trainee positions? What experience do you already have in health and safety? is this coming across in your cv/ app letter/ interview? I found tailoring my cv to health and safety had a massive effect, even with little experience- i had more call backs and interviews in 2 months than i did in over 2 years.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Lanya.
You may struggle up there to find such a position.
Sometimes consultancies will take on relatively inexperienced (in H&S) folk, although at a 'trainee level' salary. I know it seems counter-intuitive, but they may be delivering similar or templated solutions for clients in a particular niche, so the work can be quite repetitive (for an old hand).
Pre-cutbacks, local authorities were a good source of work shadowing or even trainee H&S posts, but rare now. They tend to not channel into specialisms, as the work covers a very wide range of functions from construction to care work. The council EHO departments may have some vacancies - even admin support? (different role to the H&S dept).
An additional and useful skill is in training (or presentation / public speaking at least). FE colleges may want tutors in H&S, but you will need adult education quals too.
There are often vacancies for school governors - not H&S as such but will give a boost to CV and H&S may be part of oversight.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Lanya
I know how hard it can be to get a H&S position without any work experience even though you may have some good qualifications.
Over the last few years my company as taken people on, to provide work experience in H&S in a part time (one day a week) voluntary role to help out with H&S work experience. So there must be some more out there. Hopefully your request on this forum may help. My company is located in Lancashire so we are possibly to far away from you.
Good luck
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Lanya
I am in the fortunate position of having retired last year after a successful career in H&S, but in order to' keep my hand in' I have started volunteering as a H&S Auditor / Advisor for Oxfam Shops in Norfolk and Suffolk. I dont know if they are looking for anyone in your area, but it might be worth checking out the website I used https://reachskills.org.uk/ or trying to contact other charities to ask.
I appreciate its not paid work but it is experience
Good luck!!
PS: Can you combine your previous experience at work with your H&S knowledge to seek a suitable post?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Lanya - have you tried in person at the networks meetings to see if you can get a mentor or possibly work experience?
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Rank: New forum user
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Thanks for all the advice everyone. I will try to contact some organisations directly and keep an eye open for any opportunities. Steve- I will take business cards/CVs along to the next branch meeting and get talking to people. If anyone hears of any opportunities in the west of Scotland please let me know.
Thanks again,
Layna
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Rank: Super forum user
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great idea -be specific and tell people what you want. You may not get it exactly but better to do that than try to grab anything or worse, just go along and invest time because it was offered. I suggest you write a '30 - 60 second advert' for yourself ready to read out -it will come across better.
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