Posted By Robert Weiland
I have been involved with Health and Safety for 6 years and currently hold NEBOSH general, I'm 25 and am looking towards directing myself towards Health and Safety within the Railways as a future career. At present I hold the post of safety officer for a major furniture manufacturer.

Only trouble is everyone I seem to have asked has no idea about how to get in. I am ready to return to college or study whatever is needed. I asked my Brother who works on Railways and he gave me an address but they didn't reply. I have made resolution this year to start working towards my desired career so any advice pointers help etc would be great cheers.

Posted By John Caboche
Robert,
my suggstion would be to apply to construction companies or the larger consultants who have rail divisions. You will need to find a sponsor to get you through the basic rail training (Personal Track Safety), some of the larger agencies recruit for the rail industry direct.

Also it may be worth thinking about going for a job in the railway such as trackman, not specifically Health and Safety, to get the experience. Experience is more important in rail than most fields due to the prescriptive nature of working on the railways and the requirement to have knowledge of the "rule book".

Sorry it's a bit negative, but it's very difficult to get into rail work, and doubly so for Health and Safety. Experience would be the most important I'd say.

John

Posted By Bill Bircham
Hi Robert,
I'm in the IOSH Railway Specialist Group, you could always come to us for that sort of help. We represent circa 1000 people who are involved in safety in rail someway.

Drop me an email, and we'll sort something out about putting you in touch with some people.

Regards

Bill Bircham
Vice Chair
Railway Specialist Group

Posted By Bill Bircham
Note self - always preview as the forum software messes up the formatting. Previous post again, this time in a way you can read it sensibly.

Have emailed you direct, but for the benefit of the others who contacted me, and those who were going to but didn't!

You have all approached me and expressed an interest in joining the ranks of those hapless souls who look after safety in our much maligned rail system in the UK, and sought my wisdom on how to get into it.
Well, as one with no wisdom . . .

Two ways immediate spring to mind. The first is to visits the following web-sites:-

www.nestrack.com - a recruitment consultancy that have strong Rail links

www.railpersonnel.com - as the name would suggest, another rail only listing, UK and abroad, but also a useful source of news about what is going on. Always worth a read through this once you know you have an interview, drop some titbits of knowledge in the conversation, let them know that you're up to date with industry moves (which you are aren't you!)

www.railwaypeople.com - one that is probably the most used, has a simple to use webpage, plus a news section for UK rail, plus a listing of ALL the 5000 + rail industry companies, you're able to upload your cv etc etc.

The second is to email me your CVs. I'll spread them around the industry through personal contacts. I'm sure you'll appreciate that I cannot give you personal recommendations, but I'm happy to put your details in front of other senior Safety Professionals within the industry. Then next time they're looking to recruit . . . .

I keep a file myself as I feel that those who put themselves out to at least ask, deserve to be kept in mind.
Wherever the fickle hand of the God 'O' Safety Peeps blows you, I wish you all the best.

Naturally, if you do end up within the Rail industry, I want you all to contact me (Via the IOSH webpage is probably best) and let me know, I'll then collect that drink you will no doubt owe me!

Of course, if you about Newcastle on 26th this month, come to our networking meeting. Meet your peers, shake the flesh, (Pass business cards around) and widen you own contacts.

Best wishes for the New Year
Regards

Bill Bircham

Vice Chair

Railway Specialist Group