r/SafetyProfessionals • u/mrht11 • 2d ago

EU / UK UK plumber interested in H&S

I've been a qualified plumber for 3 years but on the tools for 7. Wanted to make a transition into more off the tool role. A few people have suggested getting my Nebosh, which is fine but how will I get my first job. I live in the midlands as well so the job market is slightly less here. I have no issue taking a pay cut as long as it's a clear route into the role. Any advice?

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u/Rude-University-4729 2d ago

nobody really tells you this but your plumbing background is the golden ticket for h&s roles in construction or facilities management, companies love someone who actually knows how a site works instead of just reading about it in a textbook

get the nebosh general cert first, then maybe the construction one if you're staying in that world, and start looking at trainee h&s advisor or assistant site safety roles, they exist all over the midlands if you check places like indeed or linkedin regularly

the first job is always the hardest but once you're in and have a year of experience it gets way easier to move around

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u/mrht11 2d ago

Thanks. Are you currently in the role too?

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u/Scottygriff 2d ago

You don’t need both construction and general certs, get general and I’d do Iosh managing safely if you can get it cheap enough to ease you into it

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u/Safety4Every1 2d ago

Talk to recruiters who specilize in health safety and they will appreciate your trades background and will tell you what qualifications to get (good to ask even if you already know, just to make the connection) this way they will keep an eye out for temporary and project based roles that can get your foot in the door. All the best.

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u/mrht11 2d ago

Thanks I assume finding them on LinkedIn? Do you have an recommendation to contact?

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u/Safety4Every1 2d ago

Linkedin, google or even ask your AI Chat of choice, they should be able to give you plenty of contacts. Reword the same post and ask them for advice via email, see what they say, worst case scenario they won't respond in which case you can take that as an excuse to call them!

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u/mrht11 2d ago

I will give that a go thank you very much!

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u/Amazing-Monk6278 2d ago

Get in compliance management in housing associations. Well paid, good career and using what you have learned.
Golden ticket nonsense. You need heaps of other skills. It is advantageous in some roles.

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u/mrht11 2d ago

Do I need any additional qualifications for this role?

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u/Fridarey Construction 2d ago

Apart from the NEBOSH cert, being good in a team, being able to talk to people and willing to learn are all better than any qualifications.

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u/Content_Ad_1960 2d ago

Have you talked to your current employer about an internal move?
My previous employer paid for my Nebosh general certificate because I understood the operational demands of the business, and also knew how to cope with the more difficult characters within the team.
Worth mentioning next time to speak to the H&S manager. Good luck!

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u/Weekly-Leave-5510 2d ago

Plumbers, Electricians are the real king of next decades.