Posted By BPF Sarah, My experience came through looking at my past history and realising i was managing H&S in certain parts of my role without realising it. As they often say it is about managing safely and not safety. So it may be worth re looking at your CV and seeing that actually there have been instances where you have actually undertaken a H&S role without realising it. BPF

Posted By ITK Became a TU Safety Rep, got involved with the Health and Safety Committee, got involved in accident investigations, risk assessments and safe systems whilst studying for my cert and dip. Got a lucky break from a forward thinking employer who took a chance on me. Good Luck. ITK.

Posted By John Fraser Hi Sarah Its never easy to get h & s experience ( even before the credit crunch ), but you have got to keep trying. As others have said, a break will happen if you can get to the interview stage and show that you are keen enough. I was lucky with my career, in that my first h & s position resulted from a trainee consultant who moved to Aberdeen to get married, and hence made the position vacant in Glasgow. I went for the job and luckily for me I got it. I was then told about 100 people went for the role with about a dozen ex classmates at uni in that number as well. The salary wasn't the best in the world, but the experience was crucial for my next role for a principal contractor in Glasgow in which I gained further good experience. At times you need luck, and even more luck to stay in the position when you get it due to current times. Hence that is why I would advise you to get to CMIOSH Status as quickly as possible, because that is what future employers will expect from candidates for health and safety roles as a basic. Good Luck John

Posted By John Fraser clarel I am merely pointing out that if sarah can get a break, then should start thinking about attainment of CMIOSH Status - it can happen but you must persevere with it. As I have stated before, its not easy to get that first break - but when you do get a break - get as much out of it as possible by being positive about your h & s career and if you can get CMIOSH status then all the better. As it shows you have attained a minimum core competency level in health and safety. John

Posted By sezm2105 Hi guys Many thanks for all your responses. I am staying positive, and I do keep on getting interviews, which means the C.V is good. Having spoken to many different agencies and HR Managers I am marketing myself quite low, given my qualifications. However that's not going to get me a break alone. Having done a lot of interviews it also is becoming apparent that many organisations are seeking the environmental experience and qualifications, I am prepared to take a pay cut if they will sponsor me in order to obtain these... I am also looking forward to undertaking my CPD with IOSH, as, like so many of you stated it does mean a lot to employers. Claire's' point hit the nail on the head though! The main thing is I am looking at other roles such as QA as it can produce a route into a H&S post and keep on going.. Will keep you posted. Sarah.