Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Workplace training

By Marge Jenkins


The health and safety (H&S) industry has experienced a growth rate over the last 10 years. A lot more positions are currently available. New research indicates that another area has experienced a large growth rate also; applicants without the pre-requisite job qualifications. Employers recognise this trend and no longer grant interviews to non-qualified applicants.

Stricter application standards are indications that employers recognise the need for minimum mandatory levels of technical knowledge. The improvement in requesting professional working level personnel was validated by a 2011 National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Job Barometer. That report found that 3% of nationally advertised vacancies within this specialised field failed to identify either a minimum qualification for employment.

During a two week period in 2011, March 23rd to April 6th, NEBOSH examined 100 H&S job advertisements for manager and advisor positions. Of the 100 jobs, 93 specified that the applicant already possess a NEBOSH qualification and/or a Technician membership or higher level in the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). Of the 93 jobs, 66 mentioned at least one NEBOSH qualification was needed in order to apply

IOSH has three distinct levels of membership. The first is Tech IOSH, the next level is Grad IOSH, and the top level is Chartered Membership (CMIOSH). There are accredited qualifications at each level. Nearly half of the announcements, 48, mentioned some form of IOSH membership accreditation. Tech IOSH was referenced on five vacancies, Grad IOSH was specified on 17, and the other 26 positions specified CMIOSH credentials.

£45,000 a year was the average top salary advertised. The majority of the jobs were located in London (29%) and the Home Counties and South East (28%). Other positions (39%) were scattered across various areas. Only 4% were non-specific and flexible in defining exact job locations. Travel requirements throughout the UK and overseas was listed on most of the jobs. Workers with the required skills and qualifications now have plenty of job opportunities available.

Anyone seeking an H&S job in the UK without qualifications will have a tough time. Serious candidates can improve their skills by getting NEBOSH qualified from an accredited training facility. Employers will find there is always a need to enhance the skills of their workers. They can upgrade employee skills by sending them for advanced training.

The 2011 two week NEBOSH examination revealed several improvements from their April 2010 Job Barometer. Some 62% H&S jobs announced had responsibility for environmental management listed; this was an increase of 7% from 2010. Also, 53% of the job titles included environment, an 11% growth from 2010. The terms quality, facilities, risk management, assurance, and well-being were added to job titles and responsibilities.

Although the 100 job advertisements examined was a small industry sample, the detailed analyses provided a good picture of the current H&S workplace. Employees can improve their career values with the right qualifications. Companies need qualified personnel to handle necessary risk assessment issues. People in this career field need to evaluate which certificates they need, which certificates will help their personal goals and where the various certificates can be earned through training.




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