Rank: New forum user 
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I am currently employed as a project manager for a fit out company but want a change in career into health and safety. I have over 30 years experience on construction sites and my background is carpentry and joinery which I currently have a NVQ4. 3 years ago I passed my Nebosh general cert which I funded myself as I thought it would be a useful addition to my qualifications. But with the interest I gained while doing my Nebosh and the ever increasing role that health and safety plays in my current role I am really in terested in taking this on in a career. Any advise would be much appreciated especially from people who have done a similiar thing.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Paul
I am in a very similar position as you. I also have the Nebosh certificate started as a joiner and worked my way up to site manager but the unfortunately employers and recruiters ignore our experience but are looking for people with Health and Safety Diplomas regardless of being less experienced.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Paul,
As Derek mentions, most employers are looking for a Diploma or working towards a Diploma.
I'd suggest that you continue your study with the NEBOSH Diploma.
I've managed to make a move into HSE Learning & Development from a HR background based on education rather than experience.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I have just recruited a safety advisor - the vast majority of applicants had or were working through a level 6 qualification ( most had taken the vocational route with the NVQ).
Out of the final three selected candidates one had only the NGC - its not just about qualifications these can be gained it experience recruiters are looking for - keep trying.
In all similar threads to this (where I have posted) I have been negative about the future for jobs in the safety industry but there are a few signs out there things are just starting to pick up - keep going.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Nicely put DP,
Although qualifications are an important factor there are many out there who undoubtedly will get a foot in the door if they can willingly show their experience in relation to the positions available. This will take some research in understanding the position and working environment the employer is looking to fill.
On another mute point I recently had a telephone interview for a national based company who's questions could only relate to managing insurance claims and no mention on how to prevent the claims in the first place... The mind boggles!
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Rank: New forum user
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Thanks all gives food for thought, I must admit I am looking at Nebosh Diploma rather than NVQ5 and as in anything related to the construction industry especially in management, they tend to go for qualifications rather the experienced gained
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Rank: Forum user
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Derek B wrote:Hi Paul
I am in a very similar position as you. I also have the Nebosh certificate started as a joiner and worked my way up to site manager but the unfortunately employers and recruiters ignore our experience but are looking for people with Health and Safety Diplomas regardless of being less experienced.
Have to Agree with Derek, also gen certificate, and site mangement card, five day smsts. but constantly get overlooked for folk with the Diplomer, straight from futher education, very disheartning, wish you luck
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Rank: Forum user
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I have to disagree with some of these comments.
The diploma doesn't automatically open doors. I have a qualification that is similar to the diploma and I haven't just walked into a job.
Sure, my limited experience could be a factor, but I don't think you can highlight one area and use that as a catch all for NOT getting a position.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I agree with Nikki Napo I have a diploma and in some instances I think it has prevented me from a getting a job / interview. I have experience, 6 years as HSE manager, but I think it is in the wrong industry sector, quite specialised (not one sector or another). Don’t get me wrong I would rather have the diploma than not, but I have had comments along the lines of being too qualified and the job being too much of a backwards step. One interview I did get, I got the impression that the H&S person I would be working for did not have the diploma (so that was the end of that). They were also not impressed that I was Grad IOSH either they had a real problem with IOSH for some unknown reason. Note once you get the Diploma, you will find that they want you to be Chartered.
The job market is still not good at the moment, but it you can get an entry level position and get them to fund the training would be best. For them they get all your experience for a reduced rate while your formalising your current knowledge, with the diploma. So sell it as a win win for them and you.
Good Luck with your endeavours.
Chris
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