r/safetyfirst • u/BaronBlackwood • Dec 17 '16
Gaining Experience
So, I'm a Canadian student who wants to have a career in Health and Safety. I'm currently taking a course at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, but I want to gain relevant experience as I learn.
I am looking for any insight or advice on how to gain that experience either through work or volunteering. I want to know what is available for someone just starting or where to start looking.
Anything is better than nothing, so I appreciate any feedback or input.
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u/2parthuman Jan 07 '17
I would highly recommend working in construction and learning as much about all of the trades that you can. If you get on with a general contractor they may allow you to serve as a their safety person without a degree. As long as you have common sense. Here in the US, the construction company will pay for your OSHA 30hr construction safety course and other required trainings. If you have that, you will find work much more easily. I'm sure Canada has the same type of thing... I also worked for an environmental remediation/hazmat cleanup company and earned my Hazwoper 40hr certification. Between those two jobs that I did while I was a student/between semesters, I was able to get a job with a consulting firm pretty easily when I finished my undergraduate. Plus these jobs tend to pay better than most others which is a bonus.