My names Dan and I'm 23. I've just recovered from a long term illness (Crohn's disease) so my working and studying life is just beginning. I'm looking to start a career in health and safety as I have a interest in it and I'm just looking for a bit of advice which would be greatly appreciated. It's a bit daunting so far trying to read up on these forums etc about going on short courses to gain qualifications but I'm worried as I have no employment history or experience due to my illness, will this effect me going forward? I'm determined to start a career in this field. Be great to get some advice from people in this field and maybe were in similar situations.

Hi Dan Welcome. The key word you used in your post was "Determined" That what's you should kept in the forefront of your mind throughout your development. Have a look at this article from the national careers service it may give you an insight in areas of responsibility and qualifications you may wish to consider. https://nationalcareerss...lthandSafetyAdviser.aspx Good luck Steve w

Hi Dan, H&S is my second career, which started when I was 40+. It is a very worthwhile career, lots to learn and never enough time to read everything. There are great support networks in place through forums like this. if you want to PM I'll be glad to offer any help I can. Good luck, Rob E

Hi Dan, Welcome, I started my career in Health and Safety when I was 23, I am now 28 and a Chartered Member of IOSH, it was hard work but well worthwhile, I am presently mentoring my younger brother, so if you have any questions then please feel free to PM me and I will assist where I can. Owen

Hi Dan, I am 25, have been in health and safety for 2 years now. I completed a 4 year degree (1 year in placement at a Local Authority as an EHO), which looked at both health, safety and environment, as you will find that environmental management is beginning to become part of health and safety roles and responsibilities. Degree level is over and above NEBOSH etc, and so you can then progress onto a masters if you so wish. For my current job, they were only looking for someone with a degree, so you may well find that a degree gets you into the door, especially if you get on a placement year. Local authority EHO departments normally provide placement years in health/safety, env protection, pollution, housing, either with a salary or sometimes without, which I would advise to look into as I gained so much experience working in local authority in the h&s dept. Also (apologies, blowing my own trumpet here!) I was asked last year to be a case study for working in health and safety for Prospects which gives you a bit more info on working in the arena of health, safety and environment - http://www.prospects.ac....iser_job_description.htm Feel free to PM if you wish.

Hi Dan, Its a good career move, one that you will not be disappointed with. As stated before, the IOSH managing safely course is a really good starting point, it will really open you eyes. Once that is complete I would recommend the Nebosh National General Certificate, this is a bit more in depth and will definitely assist you in getting a job. Once those are done and you are in a place of work, the Diploma or an NVG to further your studies.... Its a really long road, and the biggest challenge will be learning how to manage people, they can be very tricky!! Good luck!! Pete