Rank: New forum user 
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Hi all,
I'm after some advice on what course to take and what I can do in my work and spare time to help me start a career in health and safety.
So, a bit about me, to hopefully give you some ideas of how I can move forward.
I was in the RAF for 9 years as an Aircraft Technician, I then worked as a contractor for BAe.
For the last 7 years I have been working in a factory in production/maintenance, this involves inspecting, operating and inspecting power presses.
Firstly I am closing in on the big 40, am I to old to start a career in health and safety? I am expecting and happy to start in a lower position and work my way up from there.
As for courses should I start with the NEBOSH general certificate or could I go straight into the NEBOSH diploma?
Currently I work shifts and have some spare time so could I volunteer somewhere or tag on to a H&S inspector to gain some experience?
Any more helpful advice will be very appreciated.
Q
Thank you
Dean
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi Dean,
As I'm sure you are aware there is no bonafied right and wrong for this, so if I start off by addressing you points one-by-one.
1. No I don't think age is a barrier. I think developing skills and experience in the industry aides your transistion as you have a better understanding.
2. My advice would be to dip your toe in first and do the Nebsoh cert. It will only take 12 weeks.
3. Yes shadowing would help. Utilise your networks for this
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 1 user thanked WatsonD for this useful post.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Dean
The NEBOSH General is a good place to start.
Don't be put off by age i was 43 when i went into H&S full time for a civil engineering company and i started off much the same as you but 8 years as a matlow.
The main thing is you just have to kick start it yourself
Good Luck
Stuart
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1 user thanked Stuart H for this useful post.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I'm often tempted to say 'don't do it' BUT I absolutely love my job, it's often the people I work for that frustrate me but with experience I now see this as a challenge rather than a blocker.....
What I will say is that brexit still weighs heavy on my mind for the future of the Environmental, Safety & Health sector, only time will answer that for me.
I'd say that the sector is really challenging at the moment and jobs are at a premium, that's something that really should be considered
Edited by user 07 February 2017 10:52:53(UTC)
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Rank: Forum user
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Dean, Age is definitely no barrier. I was nearly 51 when I moved full time into a H&S role. 53 when I did my NEBOSH certificate and 55 when I completed my NVQ.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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56 when I wondered WHY [ sorry could not resist :o) ] No your age should not be a barrier, but you need to use your working expeience to complement your training, as of course experience is often required. Looking at the job ads the other day and things seem to be picking up I think.
Yes people are the main problem. Best of luck
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Rank: New forum user
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Thank you for all the helpful replies.
I will start with the NEBOSH national certificate via distance or E- learning and go from there.
It's good to know I'm not to old to change careers and hopefully some of my past experiences will be of use.
I am hopefully going to get involved with writing risk assessments at work, so will try to glean information from our works H&S people.
Any recommendations for good course providers for the national certificate?
Thanks
Dean
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Rank: Forum user 
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Hi Dean You could check out Oracle Safety Associates who run regular 2 week intensive NEBOSH NGC courses. http://www.oraclesafety.net/training.html
Competetively priced and a high pass mark. Jim
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