Posted By Veronica Napier Hi, Qulifications, Experience, Qualifications Experience etc etc What has happened to the days of being the right person(ality) for a job? Recently I was accepted for an interview as a Assistant Safety advisor (even though I did not meet the "exact requirements"). I had a successful interview and was told was the person they wanted however the last person they saw "was a graduate". Firstly, I am not a graduate and I have very little practical experience (only duties as Union Safety Rep) however I do hold the NEBOSH Gen Cert and work for a company who is a leading provider of Inspection Services, Risk Management, Occupational Health, Property Protection and H&S Consultancy Services. Due to working for a company like this (also an insurance co) I am fully aware of safety issues and risks, legislation companies have to comply with and also what they should do when it comes to insurance. You would be suprised the amount of companies out there are are not fully aware of what is required of them by law. Due to this I could offer my services in an advisory capacity to assist a Risk/Insurance Manager or a Health & Safety Advisor. Hopefully doing this I could then develop my practical experience by carrying out risk assessments, audits etc. I am really keen for someone to give me a chance to show what I am made of. I am looking to have more safety qualifications however cannot do this thorough my work as they have already paid for NEBOSH. Although I am not a graduate I have been working since I left school in manufacturing, insurance and Consultancy/Inspection Services industries. If I could afford it I would be undertaking a degree or the diploma. This is something I am going to have to try and fund myself however this will probably not even help me get some work as I won't have the experience to go with it. If anyone is even the slightest bit interested my CV is available by emailing me. I would be looking for work in the Glasgow/Central belt area. Look forward to hearing from people!

Posted By Ken Dunn Join the club! There seems to be a lot of us in the same sort of position. I self funded my NEBOSH Cert (Still awaiting results)and had to take unpaid leave to do the course - should show to prospective employers my determination to "get into" H&S as a career you would have thought - not a bit! Seems to me you have to be "wearing the right tie" to get a job in Safety. Life experience and a positive enquiring mind together with NEBOSH Cert means nothing! There appears to be no way out of this Catch 22 - no experience can't get a job, no job can't get any experience! Good Luck with your search.

Posted By Brian McMillan There are ways and means to get around the situation experienced by many of us and outlined in this and other threads. I use my experience as a suggestion only. Following a long trade union association in which I fulfilled the role of safety representative I quickly became aware of a desire to enter health and safety as a full time career. At this time almost all my training had been provided through the trade union I was a member of and ranged from basic through to the most advanced available at the time (no direct Tech SP route available then). Being aware of the attitude of some people towards the trade union movement, members and officers I then self-funded my attendance at the NEBOSH Certificate and the Construction Certificate to gain what was then viewed as "proper qualifications". At about the same time I volunteered to undertake weekend and evening work at an interactive safety centre some 30 miles from my home where children, young people and those not so young went to learn about a range of safety related issues. With the combination of my trade union activities, voluntary activities and qualifications I was then able to enter the field of health and safety. It takes a fair old bit of determination to succeed in the quest for what you want. Sometimes you will have to resort to imaginative ways of gaining that all essential experience. This may involve working in a voluntary capacity. Believe in yourself and what you feel you can contribute to the profession. Your self-belief will hopefully be demonstrated to potential employers who may eventually give you the chance you need. Above all never give up no matter how hard the going gets. You will reap the benefits in the end.

Posted By George Wedgwood Well, yes, I suppose there is a bit of a 'glass ceiling' for aspirants - like many businesses, the educated professionals sometimes cast a look downwards at those who seem to be trying hard but 'taking the long route' that is not necessarily university-based. Those who have worked their way though full-time university often feel that only they can make the grade and others are also-rans! I believe that to be wholly untrue but I understand the feeling, which is usually born out of lack of empathy or experience in working with the majority who make industry and commerce work. Understanding this barrier has focused IOSH in restructuring its competence framework to be wholly inclusive, rather than being simply a 'learned body'. I and others fought hard at Council to ensure that IOSH remains inclusive to those 'technicians' who are important to delivering good H&S to employers. These grades are vital to remain connected with 'the world of work', so that IOSH does not become an elitist organisation for some of those mentioned before. When recruiting, I always look for the person for the job in hand rather than try and meet difficult aspirations. A graduate may be useful for one job but for manager contact and workforce delivery, give me a technician every time! That infers, of course, that those working their way 'up the ladder' can actually speak, read and write, and pass the odd exam! All of that process of education helps shape the individual and a varied path make for more attractive applicants. So 'don't give up' is the right message and do apply for posts that may seem 'over the top' for you as often the ad writer does not always know what they want! I will always want to speak to a tryer than someone with a long list of letters - with the odd exception as I have a few of those myself! One idea I have had to help, is that IOSH should have a database of Members and RSPs willing to donate voluntary time to help Members like you and provide some small amounts of time to give 'dummy' interviews or just talk through the experiences and give help with the practicalities of career development. This may work but if you want it, you need to shout loudly and get others for support, to make it happen. I would be happy to help where I can but I am Midlands-based. Regards, George (A Group H&S Manager)

Posted By George Poku Hi Veronica Can you e-mail your CV through to me please (g.poku@tribalps.co.uk). We have a position that might be of interest to you. Regards George Poku