Hi everyone,

I have recently began my journey in health and safety and I am looking for some advice on how to land my first job in H&S.

I have completed the NEBOSH general certificate, but I am still waiting for the results, so I am not certified yet. I do not have health and safety experience, but I am very keen on developing my knowledge of the subject. I have done short courses on COSHH, mental health, slips and trips etc.

Can somebody recommend training or courses that I can do to both enhance my CV and my knowledge? In the future, I plan on doing the NEBOSH diploma and a masters in OSH. 

I am eager to get started and get some hands-on experience but it has been difficult to get my foot in the door. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Hi valerioruzza

I agree with WatsonD that being multinlingual could be an advantage but not only in businesses that operate internationally as there are plenty of organisations in the UK who employ (directly or indirectly) lots of workers for whom English may not be their first language.

You do need to consider what previous experience you have in roles other than providing H&S advice , even if that which has been outside employment. What have you learned from life that means that you can add value to how a business manages H&S and possibly other issues such as environment, fire, quality etc etc?

Getting your foot on the ladder of being an H&S professional can be difficult and it might be that it would be easier if you get more experience doing other things - simply getting a better understanding of the "world of work"!

In terms of future qualifications I suggest you set your sights on one level at a step at a time and assuming that you paas the NEBOSH General Certificate (Level 3 on the European Qualifications Framework) then the next logical step is to do another Level 4 EQF qualification in e.g. fire or environment OR to move up to Level 6, such as the NEBOSH Diploma that you mention.

However, I suggest that you don't take too rigid a position as to WHAT Level 6 qualification you aim for as some employers might be more prepared to support you in doing something else, e.g. a National Vocational Qualification. From an employer's perspective if they support you with time off to do training then an NVQ has the benefit that much of what is needed for a portfolio of evidence SHOULD be capable of being done via what you DO at work, so less time off work. The opportunity cost of each day away from work (i.e. the value of what you would be doing if you were doing your day job) would generally cost much more than the daily proportion of the course fee!

Good luck, Peter

Hey, it's more than just training you need. You truly experience, knowledge, and the ability to engage with others. It's also crucial to network with other health and safety professionals in this space and other face-to-face events.

I know this firsthand because I've been on a similar journey myself. I came across people who helped me when I needed it, and networking and attending events made a huge difference.

So, I'd say don't focus solely on studies. Equally important is building your risk management skills and gaining a deep understanding of the company culture. At the same time, some online training can be handy, in my experience. e.g. free training available on academy.theknightsofsafety

This includes not only possessing professional knowledge but also knowing how to persuade people to do the right thing. You need to encourage people to actively manage safety and take the lead in setting clear safety messages.

Ultimately, those in management are the ones who put people to work, and are the main ones who need to make the right decision. If you continue to engage with them, the results will be positive, and you'll progress effectively through your career assessment periods.