Just curious, what in the safety field interests you? What do you like to do? The Health, Safety, and Environmental field is very broad and there can be specialization, but most positions require a good general knowledge of all facets of HSE. It can be a very challenging field because it is so varied and can be very technical depending on the position. Understanding how to read and apply environmental regs, air permits, water discharge permits, hazwaste management, risk management, OSHA, BSEE, Coast Guard, state regulations. You have to like to read a lot, you have to like working and leading people that sometimes don't want to follow. You have to have a passion to help others and protect people and able to stick to what is right no matter the push back. You have to protect your employees and protect your management. It is a lot of responsibility and can be highly stressful. But if you're still saying yeah, I like the sound of those challenges, then it can be very rewarding!
The training can't hurt, but many looking for safety people are looking for experience or in case of entry level positions, look for formal education. A lot of safety guys get there start by being medics offshore and performing clerical safety tasks. I don't know your situation, salary needs and age, but my advice for you is that if you want to get into the HSE field, work on your education, at least a Associate degree in safety or related field. If you can do it while holding down a job that would be great. Maybe your company will pay for your education. Again, the class can't hurt, but even if you land a job, I'm not sure what the salary would be compared to what you are used to. And if you land a job with the 30 hour class, you will still need to get educated in HSE on the technical and management side.
BTW, I am a Safety Manager with an Environmental degree and hold certifications as Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST), and Certified Safety Professional (CSP). I'm willing to advise anyone who is seeking this field. Recently had to go through 50 resumes to find someone suitable for a 2-3 year experience job, so we need good smart, dedicated, talented AND educated HSE guys and gals. Good luck buddy! PM me if you want to come by my office to discuss the how to move forward. Don't have any openings but would love to point you in the right directions.
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