I am 44yrs of age and have a wealth of transferable skills,man management skills and workplace know how. I have 27yrs of workplace knowledge split between catering and construction. I recently passed the Nebosh general cert ( credit) and i am currently studying the Nebosh fire cert. I also hold Pasma,CSCS,FLT,706/1,706/2 Nutrition & hgyiene cert,English,Maths and Clait for computers. The reason for the question is that finding work is non existant i would like to think it is the economic climate,but i do wonder if my age is the problem. Can anyone enlighten me if my age is a sticking point in my quest to break into the health & safety sector. Thank you.

Hi Latchy, Almost certainly not. Forty-four is hardly old, especially in today's market. When you say you can't find work, do you mean you don't get any replies to applications or do you mean there isn't much out there? PM me your email address and I'll have a look at your CV if you want. It could be it needs a bit of tidying up. Cheers, R

I live in wigan and my email;latchy65@googlemail.com

Hi Latchy, I am also 44 and was "on the tools" in construction for 25 years, because of various reasons I wanted to move forward. I self funded the construction cert and environmental management cert between June and December last year and was actually made redundant in September. I applied for scores of H&S roles and received few positive replies never mind interviews, however I started my current job as Construction H&S Advisor for a consultancy last week. My point being: no you're not too old, but you will have to work that much harder than seasoned H&S professionals to get a foot in the door. Don't give up. All the best. DNW

Don't worry about age, with health and safety there is also a lot to be said for experience and life skills, remember the old saying 'Poacher turned Game Keeper'. I'm nearly 43 and I've been working in health and Safety for a couple of years now, my advice is remain focused, be proud of your achievements and above all, keep going!

I've changed jobs three times since I was as young as you. Your age and experience (and of life in general) should be a positive selling point.

Yes, I really don't think one's age should be an impediment in today's climate. Having seen Latchy's CV and suggested a few alterations I suspect it isn't his age that is the problem, but rather having sufficient experience in the H&S field. Having the NGC is good, and gives a good base, but in my experience it seems that employers (and agencies, for that matter) require the NEBOSH level 6 diploma before they even start talking to you. I think this is a shame, as it will preclude many good NGC holders. However, that seems to be the way it's going nowadays. On top of that, employers want experience. I'm fortunate in that I was moved into H&S in my late twenties, so could gather experience without the hassle of having to move jobs to achieve it. Another company then took a punt on me for an experimental compliance job, which led to the position I'm in now. So, yes, there's an element of luck involved as well as qualifications and experience. Keep plugging away and never give up!

I know somebody in her 90's [90's!] who completed her first set [yes set] of parachute jumps ~3 years ago! You are in the prime of life

Hi Latchy, 47 is just a baby, I got my first managerial H&S position at 55, redundant at 59, second H&S managers job at 60 and again made to retire at 65 and now work as an associate consultant on a part time basis just to keep my brain working. Keep positive, network and meet people and work will come.

44 too old! Pah, no way. Stick with it; the right job with the right company will turn up. I got my dream job at 49 and not looked back since.

God i wish i was your age my employment opportunities look grim to say the least at 54 .I have the experience(NGC2005 plus prior qualifications) I would love to take up a more challenging position in the field of H&S as at present I only spend 60% of my time on health and safety as the other time is spent on warehouse work as the company i work for is expanding rapidly good luck to you in your employment search PAUL