Career progression comes in different forms; you may be seeking to take on more responsibility in your current role or hoping to climb the career ladder. Creating a career development plan outlining your short-term and long-term goals can help you on the road to success. Here we outline steps you may choose to take to achieve these goals.
Continuous education and training
Building Safety Act, wellbeing, mental health, 45001……the health and safety industry is constantly changing, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends, regulations, technology, and certifications. Look to attend industry events, webinars, and similar.
Specialisation
Behavioural safety programs, working at height, developing strategy, chemical safety…..you may decide that you want to follow a particular specialism within the health and safety field. Identify what interests you the most and any specialised training opportunities.
Build connections
As well as using industry events to maintain your knowledge, they also offer a great opportunity to network with like-minded people and potential employers. Building new connections can open the doors to new development opportunities. Look for mentor opportunities, IOSH could be a good place to start and perhaps within your organisation. Health and Safety people are amazing! With the community more than happy to help those looking to develop their career.
Broaden your health and safety experience
Working in different industries with varying levels of responsibility will broaden your experience and skills. This may help you to identify what industry you would most like to work in as you progress, as well as making you a more desirable candidate.
Management skills
Leadership and management skills are often essential in more senior-level roles. To prepare, research courses that can help you to build these skills. Can you take on informal line management as an initial step?
Take on new challenges
Explore different opportunities where you will gain exposure to industries or responsibilities that are new to you. This may be an upwards or lateral career move.
Your health and safety career path is unique to you, but working to continuously improve your skills, broaden your experience, and seeking new opportunities, will help you progress up the ladder.
If you are looking for a new health and safety role, our team of specialist recruitment consultants will be able to offer you advice and help you on your journey. To browse our latest positions, click here.