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Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Workplace training

By Marge Jenkins


The past decade has witnessed an increase in the health and safety (H&S) industry. Both large and small companies have a growing need for knowledgeable employees. New research shows a large number of job seekers do not have the required mandatory qualifications. Employers are bypassing under skilled applicants to interview only fully documented individuals.

A recent study found only three percent of H&S vacancies advertised nationally did not specify the qualifications or professional status required for the positions. The study source is the 2011 National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Job Barometer. The increased demand for pre-employment skills and knowledge demonstrates employer awareness of functional abilities needed by occupational workers.

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.

Of the 100 announcements, the average top salary was £45,000 per year. The job vacancies were diversified regarding employment work locations. The top two geographical work areas were in London and in the Home Counties and South East, being 29% and 28% respectively. 39% were spread across the rest of the country. The remaining 4% were flexible on a precise employment site. The majority of the jobs had travel requirements that covered the UK and overseas locations. Vast employment opportunities in so many locations indicate good prospects for individuals with suitable qualifications.

Without the required qualifications, anyone looking for a UK H&S manager or advisor position will have a hard time. The best way for someone to improve their employment chances is to seek NEBOSH accredited qualification training. Employers can increase employee knowledge by sending them for training that will be relevant for use at the workplace.

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.

The 100 job advertisements examined in the 2011 study was small but detailed. The results were a good representation of the current H&S workplace. There is increased awareness of the need to have the right qualifications. Employers are ensuring they have qualified personnel to perform risk assessments. Individuals in this career field need to understand what different certificates are needed, what certificates they personally need and where to acquire those certificates of training.




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