Having read most of the threads in this forum, I'd like to add my experience of trying to find employment. I recently left the military after a long career which immediately puts me in the "no industry experience" category which has blocked the majority of my applications even though I did large amounts of H&S within the military. I worked hard and spent a lot of money getting well qualified, I have the NEBOSH Diploma, am currently awaiting the result of my Environmental Diploma and I have the environmental, fire, construction and general certificate, all courses were passed with either credit or distinction. I am GradIOSH and have just completed my first CPD cycle and am trying to do the IPD. Unfortunately the recession seems to have caused a major problem in this sector in that the entry level positions have disappeared and only experienced H&S managers are considered. All small companies seem to use consultants. I have been applying every day for available positions and the majority (as mentioned in other threads) do not even bother to reply. I have practically given up on the Internet and now visit local companies directly with speculative approaches. Another problem I face is being situated in East Anglia where centers of industry are few and far between. Of course, if there is an employer reading this, then please PM me, eventually someone will discover that taking a risk on someone like me will pay benefits. This is also an excellent opportunity for an IOSH moderator to leap in and let the membership of this professional body know what they are doing for members in our situation. Thanks for your attention to this post.

The recession is clobbering everyone. East Anglia as you say is a desert (in more ways than one, maybe). Generally (in the good times) our company "love" ex military (particually if there is some engineering in your background). This is mainly because you are well disiplined and can get security clearance. You could try googling security cleared jobs

Hmm, if, as you say, small firms are using consultants, then why not become a consultant? Without telling porkies, you could justifiably claim to have been involved in Risk assessments, SMS's, accident investigations, fire safety etc................??? Setup costs would be pretty low - website, insurance - you can use your existing vehicle, get a cheap mobile phone...............and off you go!

Thanks for the support, I'm pressing on with the search, have also widened the types of job I'm after. I'll try and get a normal job and then work on the H&S side of it as I still have to do my IPD somehow. The reality of unemployment means voluntary work isn't really an option when you have a family to support. I really want to stay in East Anglia as it's a great area to live, just not so good for work. Will keep you updated to any developments and good luck to all the others out there in the same position. Not going down the consultant route until I have some industrial H&S experience and I'm on the register.

If only it was that easy, 1 consultant can service seveal companies thus making the consultancy market smaller

try ex-pat roles - several in UAE / sand-pit where yr skills will serve well ?

Dont give up try SHP online and www.hsejobs.proboards.com