Posted By Andrew Cooper 2007
were are you located?

Andy

Posted By Mike Morgan
What is your background??

Mike

Posted By David Passmore
MH1982 - I am in the same position as yourself. Having worked my way up from the shop floor to Health & Safety Officer in a large manufacturing/warehouse/distribution/engineering facility, I was made redundant nearly two years ago. Sure, I have had interviews without success, however, my other handicap is undoubtedly my age (52). Age discrimination in the workplace a thing of the past? - don't you believe it.

Unbelievably, following an interview at a very well known learning establishment in the North East, I was informed by their Junior H.R. Officer after failing to secure the job that I had only been selected for interview to satisfy the colleges audit of their diversity of recruitment policy - unbelievable.

Since my redundancy I have had to descend the career ladder and I have done some temping as a Drayman, Warehouse Manager, and various mind numbing roles.

What I am really convinced of is that when applying for 'menial' non H&S roles, having a NEBOSH qualification and two years experience as a Health & Safety Officer on your CV is more than a hinderance than an asset.

I an now currently out of work again, and despite keeping up to date with all H&S news, legislation, I think I am now resigned to the fact that securing a H&S position - particularly in these difficult times - is not a realistic proposition anymore.

I was considering taking the NEBOSH diploma, however, forking out £5,000 when I have no income and where no job is guaranteed is not a viable proposition. And as for funding from jobseekers etc - don't even ask, however, I did contact LSC, and they explained that I could take out a loan. So there I am, redundant, no income, but I might qualify for a loan - incredible.

Sorry about the protracted rant everybody, but I think it is born more out of frustration and I can fully sympathise with MH1982's current plight.

Posted By Neil R
Can't help on the job front sadly, but qualifications wise have to considered doing a degree as opposed to the Nebosh dip?

I did a Bsc in Health, safety and Environmental Management which was three years But you could just go for the foundation degree which is two years? and is a level 6 qual equal to the Nebosh dip and will get you Grad IOSH.

The good thing is that it involves one day a week in college and the rest of the time is portfolio building and work based modules (college will place you if your not working). Financially you will be better off as you will only owe the tuition fee loan (taken out of your tax when you earn £15000PA or more)and will probably qualify for a grant. You could also have student loan if you wanted.

I was kind of in the same situation as yourselves, further education is really the key, you have to able to compete with whoever else is out there especially at the moment.

Posted By maryt
there is a vacany in Edinburgh, full time. Please send your cv to mary-thorburn@fsmail.net

Posted By cdthomas
Hi Dave/Mh1982,

Read your posts with sympathy like most people have. I was in the same situation as yourselves, however I did decide to do the Dip and have applied for a CDL, in the meantime I am paying for it myself. I have also done the C & G 7303 PTLLS course to further my chances and have now landed a role as a Safety Trainer-might not be your cup of tea but it keeps you up-to-date with the knowledge etc etc. As you have rightly pointed out, chances of finding H & S work are slim at the moment as better qualifed people than myself are applying for and getting the lesser paid jobs.

Keep your chin up and I am sure with your experience you will get something, you just might need to veer sideways a little????

Regards

chris

Posted By MH1982
Hi David

Are you carpets not worn out yet, mine are and i think I'm getting dermatitis from all the washing up. I need a job before i turn into a women

Posted By MH1982
You are correct, I cant be more than one woman.

Posted By Oliver Taylor
I have combined H&S and Facilities for a number of years David and they certainly go hand in hand.

I know of various opportunities in the H&S world David for someone like you wanting some extra work. Send me an e-mail.

Olly

Posted By fuzzylumpkin
I would suggest that you get a job in anything at the moment as the times are very difficult. If you get a less taxing job then you can concentrate on personal development of specific certs or qualifications that might lead you to your dream job.

I too am looking for work in H & S and have taken an easy job not necessarily to do with H & S while I study towards the Diploma.

Hope you get work soon and keep putting in the app's.

Posted By David Passmore
Interesting post Sarah.

I tried the LSC for Diploma funding, and I was told that money was not available for such a qualification, however, I could apply for a loan!

So there I am, on the dole, trying to paying of my debts, reducing my outgoings, no icome, but I can apply for a loan - unbelievable.

However, following your experience, it might be worth pursuing this option again,

Thanks

Posted By andymak
You have my heart felt sympathy I am in a similar position, two things seem to be running against me.
1. Only having seven months in my last job (not made redundant but employment terminated at end of extended probabtion after getting the department into shape! Prospective employers make a big play on this.

2. Only having NEBOSH Cert, I have been given feedback from several interviews that they have gone for a Diploma candidate even when the job only required a cert.

Several agencies I speak to on a regular bis confirm teh second point on the basis the candidate can be trained up in operational areas they are lacking in very cheaply but a Cert candidate will most likely be looking to progress to the Dip which will cost them a significant amount in hard times.

I am now looking for a few short term contract roles which will not make the 7 month role stick out, but in teh mean time I have set up a web site, got myself insured and am using past contacts to gain some H&S work policy reviewing, risk assessing, induction and training delivery etc. The job centre are aware and I have to declare what I do but it isn't enough to keep hearth and home together for long.

I am still applying for roles but the job situation in East Anglia is dire (4000 applications for 400 jobs at the new Asda, and over a 1000 for 30 jobs at Tarmac). Even Courier companies want previous experience!!

Posted By andymak
As I have mortgage protection insurance I do get to see what the basic reference says about me, as they have to give the eason for being unemployed. However so far they have yet to even get the dates of employment right!

My previous manager has offered a personal reference (in a way I would rather stick pins in my eyes!) but I have many referee's including the H&S manager from the companies major client.

Posted By nigel
I am in the Lucky position of being in full time and reasonably stable work . still looking though and have had 3 roles intervied for in past 2 months two of which got to 2nd int and the next one is on April 1st ...... mmmmmmmmmm
all I can say is keep trying . And register with al the agencies I must admit Hayes in london have been great ( the lady to ask for is AINE FLOOD and June at Convert recruitment(usual disclaimer)