WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

One of the hardest challenges health and safety professionals face when starting on their career in occupational safety and health is getting initial experience after qualification.

Taking that first step can be problematic, often because employers are looking for more experienced personnel to take up a crucial full-time role. This can leave many newly qualified professionals asking 'just how do I get my break, then?'

To tackle this problem, IOSH is exploring the possibility of setting up a health and safety work experience programme. The scheme would offer graduates or students needing vital operational experience a fast-track approach to designated organisations offering placements.

A pilot scheme is planned for this year, but to make it a success we need an extensive range of employers willing to commit their resources to support would-be professionals. If your organisation is interested in offering work experience placements, please contact Hazel Harvey, at hazel.harvey@iosh.co.uk, or IOSH, The Grange, Highfield Drive, Wigston, Leicestershire, LE18 1NN, UK.

President elect, Neil Budworth, said: "We should be looking to help new practitioners get a foot on the ladder by sharing our knowledge with them."


Article reference: Safety and Health Practitioner (http://www.shponline.co.uk/), March 2005. The official magazine of www.iosh.co.uk