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merkon  
#1 Posted : 14 March 2018 09:07:26(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
merkon

Hello everyone in the forum,

I have been working as a H&S Professional for about 2 years in the Telecommunication industry in a multinational company, now I am currently doing my PgDip in Loughborough University in OHS Management and I am interested in moving to the UK and finding a HSE position in the Construction Industry.

On the job vacancies online however, I can see that companies require either NEBOSH Construction and CSCS or a lot of years experience in the construction industry and in construction sites. What more can I do to find a junior position in the Construction industry? Is it possible to be chosen to get interviewed via skype or I will have to move in the UK first and then try to search for a position from there?

Do you have any ideas or comments to help me achieve my goal? ​​​​​​​Thanks in advance!

peter gotch  
#2 Posted : 14 March 2018 10:55:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Morning Merkon

Your post grad will be a higher qualification than NEBOSH Construction Certificate, but of course without as much emphasis on key risks in the construction industry.

CSCS or equivalent would probably be a requirement but could be obtained quickly and at low cost when you have a post and is unlikely to deter any forward looking employer.

So you need to make sure that your CV or resume highlights aspects of your current post and previous experience that reflects your understanding of construction risks. In your posting you do not expand on what your current role involves but it could include a substantial element of construction e.g. overhead and underground services, equipment in control rooms etc.

Whether you can get first interview(s) remotely depends on the individual organisation, their technology and attitude to recruitment policies. If you show that you can overcome the hurdles at your end, then it is up to them to either do the same or to invite you to the UK perhaps offering to pay part or all of the expenses. How willing they are to do this is at least in part a matter of supply and demand - ie how easy is it is for them to recruit locally.

Of course another route would be to target jobs near you with a view to subsequent relocation. You are already working for a multinational and so are probably dealing with other such organisations.

Good luck, Peter

merkon  
#3 Posted : 14 March 2018 11:05:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
merkon

Originally Posted by: peter gotch Go to Quoted Post

Morning Merkon

Your post grad will be a higher qualification than NEBOSH Construction Certificate, but of course without as much emphasis on key risks in the construction industry.

CSCS or equivalent would probably be a requirement but could be obtained quickly and at low cost when you have a post and is unlikely to deter any forward looking employer.

So you need to make sure that your CV or resume highlights aspects of your current post and previous experience that reflects your understanding of construction risks. In your posting you do not expand on what your current role involves but it could include a substantial element of construction e.g. overhead and underground services, equipment in control rooms etc.

Whether you can get first interview(s) remotely depends on the individual organisation, their technology and attitude to recruitment policies. If you show that you can overcome the hurdles at your end, then it is up to them to either do the same or to invite you to the UK perhaps offering to pay part or all of the expenses. How willing they are to do this is at least in part a matter of supply and demand - ie how easy is it is for them to recruit locally.

Of course another route would be to target jobs near you with a view to subsequent relocation. You are already working for a multinational and so are probably dealing with other such organisations.

Good luck, Peter

Thank you for the information Peter!

That CSCS card, can I obtain it via online examination or only in a examination centre based in the UK?

I don't have any previous experience in H&S in another company. My current role is mostly office based, including compliance with OHSAS 18001, audits, reports, KPIs, incident investigation and reporting. That's why I want to change industries and go to the construction, to gain more practical - hands on experience working in the field. 

bxuxa  
#4 Posted : 14 March 2018 19:09:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
bxuxa

Hi. The CSCS card exam must de done in UK. In a way to get a card you need also a training/qualification. Can be something simple as a 1 day training for a card labour or there is another way, using IOSH membership you are allowed to apply for a whilte card. Regarding job offers and applications, the recruiters can wander the level of knowledge regarding local regulations, however, you should consider a local training period if available. Finally can you drop me a line about the PgDip. I applied for the some.
WatsonD  
#5 Posted : 15 March 2018 08:47:49(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

The construction industry values experience greatly in recruiting to senior positions of responsibility. Not necessarily H&S experience, but experience of the construction industry. I imagine it is the same in other specialist fields, such as manufacturing, oil, etc. I would suggest you look at a more general H&S role. You will be competing with others who have many years experience.

peter gotch  
#6 Posted : 15 March 2018 13:02:35(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Some construction companies still persist in prescribing extensive prior experience in the sector.

Others recognise that people without this may add value and new thinking. 

All about making sure that the environment includes people with the right experience to enable mentoring of new starts (from whatever discipline).

When I joined HSE it was a matter of policy that you were not allowed near the sector you had come from until your preconceptions of acceptable custom and practice had been put to bed.

All based on the other principle that a competent HSE professional should be able to apply their skills to ANY sector. It's about recognising what you don't know and not being afraid to ask "stupid" questions.

I joined HSE after working in engineering both on the shop floor and in a programming role. Gained knowledge and experience that I have applied in many other sectors (including construction). Now could be described as being deeply imbued with construction but there are still processes with which I am not that familiar. Doesn't stop me adding value to how these are planned and executed.

Shopland23872  
#7 Posted : 15 March 2018 18:49:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Shopland23872

As mentioned above, the construction industry do usually insist on construction experience, mainly due to the dangers on site and the CDM compliance requirements. Just remember that construction is one of the most dangerous industries due to all the factors involved. You may want to consider starting out in Utilities, then moving to civils, then eventually into construction. That is how I did it, and I originally came from a warehousing background. It was a baptism of fire, but well worth it. I started out in construction 12 years ago, with 4 years in utilities and civils prior to that.
merkon  
#8 Posted : 16 March 2018 11:08:56(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
merkon

Unfortunately I just got an email that my application in a Junior HSE position in a construction company was rejected. However it is really strange that there were not any special requirements and qualifications needed and they also said that full training is provided. 

I really cannot understand how can someone have experience in e.g. construction, when the construction companies do not give you the opportunity to join them and start your carrier.

I am going towards my MSc, really want to make that turn from the telecommunication industry to the construction one, but just don't know how and what else should I do.

peter gotch  
#9 Posted : 16 March 2018 11:26:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
peter gotch

Hi Merkon

The first thing you can do is to ask for feedback on why you were unsuccessful and to see if they will give you any suggestions as to how you how you might be more likely to get the job.

You may or may not get useful feedback. Depends somewhat on whether whoever you write to thinks globabally when investing time in answering you offers little immediate (if any) benefit to their own organisation.

Next think about whether you can show your understanding of higher risk situations into your CV and other application documentation.

WatsonD  
#10 Posted : 16 March 2018 12:05:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
WatsonD

Merkon,

I have had enough failed job applications/ interviews to know that it is a pretty horrible feeling you are going through right now.

When I mentioned experience, what I meant is that a lot of the time, those in a H&S role in construction have moved up from working on the tools. This is the same for most supervisory management roles in construction. I'm not suggesting it is right or wrong, but in my experience thats often the reality.

I hope you can prove me wrong, but I would again suggest that you try to broaden the industry sectors you are approaching.

merkon  
#11 Posted : 02 April 2018 06:50:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
merkon

Still trying to find an available H&S position! I have already broadened the sectors that I am searching for, still without luck though. I just need to open that first door to move to the UK and start working there. Does anyone have any idea about any available H&S position in the UK? I've got 2 years experience as a H&S Professional, with a BSc and now going towards my MSc in OHS Management.

Shopland23872  
#12 Posted : 11 April 2018 19:40:51(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Shopland23872

Originally Posted by: merkon Go to Quoted Post
Still trying to find an available H&S position! I have already broadened the sectors that I am searching for, still without luck though. I just need to open that first door to move to the UK and start working there. Does anyone have any idea about any available H&S position in the UK? I've got 2 years experience as a H&S Professional, with a BSc and now going towards my MSc in OHS Management.
Can I suggest that you apply to a subcontractor to get your foot in the door. Groundworks would give you the best experience as this is one of the most high risk roles in construction. Even if you work for a relatively small groundworks company you will get a lot of valuable experience for your CV. But you could also apply for a safety role in one of the other subcontractor genres too. Once you get on site every day is a school day, right from day one. What area do you live in?
olufsen1  
#13 Posted : 13 April 2018 15:52:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
olufsen1

I would advise NOT to go into construction, dont know how subbies even bother with the big boys anymore. Yep done it for 28 years and moving on. Plenty other better industries to ern some coin.

My thoughts only.

good luck.

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