HSE People - Health and Safety Community

I do apologise because I'm sure this subject will have come up before or that I'm on the wrong forum.

Back in 2004 I decided to enrol on the NEBOSH general certificate, I studied this part time as to fit in with work. I was hoping it would be a stepping stone to get myself into the H & S side of things. In 2006 I went to on to complete the NEBOSH Diploma Part 1, now at this time I thought this would help open many more doors. I have had the odd safety representative role within a company and one short spell in an advisor role, but on the whole, thats it.

I'm 32 and have worked in the oil/gas offshore/onshore, petrochemical, biofuels for roughly 10 years as a Rigger but I have wanted to get into H & S for a number of years.

I dont no where to turn and I'm hugely frustrated because I'm having no luck in getting a chance. I need some advice on where to start, what jobs should be looking for, what are my realistic chances of getting into this industry, basically any advice that can be given.

Many thanks and all replies will be appreciated

Jon

Well thankyou for all the replies.

Hey Jonathan,

All you can do is keep trying! It is difficult for everyone right now so may I suggest that if you are in work that you continue with where you are at right now and still keep putting yourself forward in helping out the health and safety dept (if there is one) join safety group or committee meetings. Try to join a professional body and attend your local groups this is a brilliant way of networking and I firmly believe that is half the battle to securing work. With your qualifications already there is no reason why you can't at least achieve affiliate level. It is expensive to join a professional body but it does show that you are committed to becoming a health and safety professional and receiving professional magazine will help to keep your knowledge up to date. The mistake you can make is thinking that an opportunity will come to you. You need to be a little bit pushy and put yourself forward. Have you thought about volunteering some time to a consultance for example? This may not necessarily guarantee work but is brilliant for your CV and building relationships.

Just stay positive and keep trying and eventually the right thing will come your way :-)

Hi ,

I would imagine it would be difficult to get into chosen fields with only having diploma. Maybe you should try a different field where your skill in Petrol/chemical would crossover.

I Only have Nebosh Cert the same .It has taken me nearly 3 months to get a position after being made redundant.

I applied for hundred of jobs and got one interview out of them all and got the job so persistance pays in the end.

PS I was ready for giving up

All the best

John

You have to walk before you run.
I had to go into an area where I did not really want to go but te experience I gained helped me get what I wanted in the end.

Hi All,