Improve your employment prospects with health and safety skills training

​You wouldn't trust someone to take your car out for a drive without knowing they have their driver's license first. The same logic applies to many professional roles. Employers want to know you are skilled enough to take on a job with confidence. That's where skills training comes in. Professionals that can add some form of certification to their CV have a much better chance of standing out from the crowd.

This is extremely useful for new and seasoned workers. Whether you are looking to score a promotion or land a job in a new field, taking some kind of training course can be the push you need to get you through the door.

This is especially true in the health and safety field. A recent study has shed some light on just how much a qualification can be worth in this industry – meaning skills don't just result in landing the job but a bigger pay day as well.

Investing in skills training can help you lead the job hunting pack.

Skills by numbers

In 2015 a variety of US organisations – including the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and the American Society of Safety Engineers – conducted a survey surrounding health and safety certifications and salaries.

The study concluded that, on average, workers with official qualifications in health and safety earned over $30,000 USD more than their noncertified counterparts. This solidifies the idea that skills training has a tangible monetary value for professionals and securing these kinds of qualifications can help improve career prospects considerably.

"The results from this industry survey highlight the positive impact that having a license or credential can have on an individual's' professional development and overall compensation," said American Industrial Hygiene Association Executive Director, Peter J. O'Neil.

Securing skills training qualifications can help improve career prospects considerably.

While these numbers are from a U.S. study, the same notion applies in New Zealand. A quick search for safety professional positions in NZ on PayScale – the largest worldwide database for professional salaries – brings up a range of salaries with the note "A skill in Safety Compliance is associated with high pay for this job."

The spectrum of salaries ranges from $58,029 to $121,357 NZD – with the higher ends of the scale being associated with more certifications and qualifications.

Beyond the salary

Higher salaries are always an enticing outcome but getting certified means more than just a better padded wallet. Simply seeking out certifications and skills advancements can have a variety of added benefits in terms of your professional repertoire.

A validation of skills

While your CV may showcase past experience, skills training can provide you with a widely accepted and recognised level of validation, explained Huffington Post contributor Tomas Laurinavicius.

When an employer sees your skills certification, they can be assured that you have mastered the necessary skills put forth by the training institute. This has the same value as a good reference from an industry leader. By attaching this to your application you can set yourself apart from other applicants.

Landing a certification that reflects your skill set can help expand your career options.

A reflection of ambition

When an employee seeks out skills training, there is an explicit statement of drive and work ethic associated with the certificate. An employer will see that you took the initiative to further your skills. Getting certified means you are taking your career path seriously while also showing you are willing to go the extra mile – providing you with an extra competitive edge in the job search.

A sense of confidence

Having your skills validated by a training course or certification can equip you with the confidence needed to walk into your next job interview with your head held high. Of course, qualifications translate your capabilities to potential employers but more importantly they instil that confidence within yourself. This level of self-conviction is arguably worth much more than any monetary value.

Whether you are looking for temporary work or a more permanent position in New Zealand – Tradestaff is here to help.

The takeaway

It's no secret that the job market, across industries, is a competitive landscape. Workers that go through skills training are providing themselves with that necessary extra edge.

Tradestaff can help you with finding a job that values your skills in an environment that is right for you. Whether you are looking for temporary work or a more permanent position in New Zealand – our team has you (and your certifications) covered. To learn more about finding a job, contact a Tradestaff