Posted By sezm2105
Hi all.

This seems to be a common thread so apologies if you have all heard and read it before a million times. Does anyone have any answers to what holds the key to getting a break in this industry???

As a NEBOSH Diploma graduate who is (and forgive me for sounding slightly big headed) driven, focused and does so want to succeed and develop in this industry (I self funded the certificate and the dip as sources told me that would be way to getting into H&S), I find once again the door is firmly shut due to the same old "not enough experience".

I've been around long enough to know that qualifications don't stand for everything but with two years experience albeit in small companies under my belt you'd think I may get somewhere.

Agencies are great,I've signed up with the majority in SHP. A lot of them gave me good advice including relocating- which I did, to the W.Midlands. Having read other posts on this site, networking and getting information from friends and colleagues also helps. Still the door is shut!

Moving across the industries can be difficult and experience is great but so is a fresh perspective.

If you keep on going and put the effort in eventually you will get there.As someone who not only understands this principal but applies it,it is frustrating to find the door not only shut but sometimes slammed in ones face. So what is the key????

Thanks for letting me rant.

Sarah.

Posted By Mike Parks
John.

You say "One must have experience to back up the qualification, otherwise it will be difficult to get work due to the increasing competition nowadays" and that increasing employers are wanting CMIOSH as proof of competence.

Surely though that is going back to the same old arguement how can you get competent if you can't get the experience.

Why are there few employers (not just in H&S but all fields) that are willing to take the risk of giving someone a start in a career.

Until then we will continue to have this topic crop up regularly.

Mike.

Posted By MickN
It's hard to employ someone with the qualifications but no experience. There's just no guarantees. On the other hand, if you go for someone who is CMIOSH then you have that guarantee that they are qualified (someone else has done the legwork there and we all know that you can fake a qualification now). Go as far as IPD and you have quals & experience, guaranteed.

So, where to start. Well it's simple, you need someone looking to fill a position where experience isn't a requirement and that's rare. Most people start out moving into safety from within the company they are already in. This means the employer knows what they are getting in the first place. Still not helping I hear you say...

OK, if I could talk to the "me" that started out about 9 years ago I'd do the following. Get the yellow pages and dig out all the EHS consultancy companies listed therein. Write them a letter (keep it short) and attach a CV. I'm assuming you've already been through the internet job sites. Include in your letter that you are willing to work part time and/or contract, you'll relocate if required. No need to say that you'll work for cheap as he'll already know that from the details in the letter and CV.

My own start in safety came because I was available immediately (can be crucial) and the contractor needed a safety guy quickly (it was costing him money without one). I'd also like to close with this, work on contract. Many of you may be avoiding jobs because they are "only" short term contracts, this is a mistake and one you should rectify today! Contract work often leads to a permanent position and there are plenty out there who make a fine career from nothing else. Contract work is also better paid and not as scary as you'd think, you might not be cut out for it but don't rule it out either.

In construction I've met all kinds of safety men and women, from qualified ones to completely unqualified and from experienced to the completely inexperienced. Neither of which being a guarantee of competence (IMHO).

All the best and good luck,

Mick

Posted By AMelrose
Sarah

Don't give up is the main key! I think a good lot of the people who now have full time H&S jobs would say they were once in your shoes. Agree, short term contracts CAN help get that all important toe on the ladder.

When I started out (in ergonomics) my first "job" in the field was as a contractor [I took 2 weeks holiday and did the on-site work during those weeks with the report following two weeks later].

That led to a project with another company which lasted a few months. Both went on the CV and luckily at the next interview I was able to show what I had done [project management, compliance with legislation, report writing etc]. Even the job I had applied for was actually a short term contract (6 months) but after 4, was made a full time member of staff and stayed for the next 8 years!

So don't give up hope....