Hello and a quick SSTG question

[Chris H]

Hi all

As this is my first post I will provide a brief introduction and then we shall get down to business!

My name is Chris, 20 and an aspiring engine cadet. I am one of these that will apply for everything under the sun in order to get myself in there.

Now my business here, I have had my SSTG interview and passed at the start of November. I have submitted my chosen companies, but created instead a priority list which basically had every company on!

I understand Clyde Marine only considers you for your top 3 companies, but, is this the same with SSTG? or will they consider all companies for a potential cadet?

Cheers folks!

[CharlieDelta]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Hi Chris and welcome!

Don't quote me on this, but I believe SSTG will look at your preferences and send your details to your most-preferred companies, who will then either sponsor you on the strength of SSTG's recommendation or will offer a further interview.

I'm not with SSTG though so could be wrong, but I believe that's the way they work.

[tempest]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Hi Chris, I'm starting with the SSTG in Jan, and yeah they'll take your choices into account.

What will happen is when the positions become available, they'll contact you with more information, some companies will be happy to take you on the strength of the SSTG's interview ( for example OOCL) whereas other companies will insist on having a follow up interview. The SSTG won't advise you which companies will require follow up interviews, just as they won't tell you which companies pay more( some pay above the minimum amount the SSTG offers) so that this doesn't influence your choices.

From my experience, the SSTG won't put you with a company unless you pick them, my interview was the end of October, and I was offered a place with OOCL for the Jan start, which was at the time the only opening available for a Jan start to wait for more options in Sept, before getting a phone call about 2 weeks ago, with another company offer.

Clyde Marine, from what I can gather from the posts on this site give you information on the companies, and get you to pick 3, however, there's no guarantee that you'll get one of these companies, as Clyde don't tell you who your sponsor is until you start college(this is going form numerous Clyde cadets posting on this forum)

If you're just wanting to get started and not fussed about which company, then it doesn't make a difference, but as it stands, SSTG will keep you informed while they try to find you a suitable company, whereas Clyde will apparently give you anyone, a company called Zodiac tends to handle a lot of Clyde cadets.

[Chris H]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Thank you Charlie

As I understand it a second interview is almost a definite, unless you are something exceptional. Company requirments are sent in March. For those who havn't already applied to these guys this is some valued information!
Further comments from SSTG cadets are welcomed.

[Chris H]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Hi Chris, I'm starting with the SSTG in Jan, and yeah they'll take your choices into account.

What will happen is when the positions become available, they'll contact you with more information, some companies will be happy to take you on the strength of the SSTG's interview ( for example OOCL) whereas other companies will insist on having a follow up interview. The SSTG won't advise you which companies will require follow up interviews, just as they won't tell you which companies pay more( some pay above the minimum amount the SSTG offers) so that this doesn't influence your choices.

From my experience, the SSTG won't put you with a company unless you pick them, my interview was the end of October, and I was offered a place with OOCL for the Jan start, which was at the time the only opening available for a Jan start to wait for more options in Sept, before getting a phone call about 2 weeks ago, with another company offer.

Clyde Marine, from what I can gather from the posts on this site give you information on the companies, and get you to pick 3, however, there's no guarantee that you'll get one of these companies, as Clyde don't tell you who your sponsor is until you start college(this is going form numerous Clyde cadets posting on this forum)

If you're just wanting to get started and not fussed about which company, then it doesn't make a difference, but as it stands, SSTG will keep you informed while they try to find you a suitable company, whereas Clyde will apparently give you anyone, a company called Zodiac tends to handle a lot of Clyde cadets.

Cheers Tempest!

From what you are telling me I have jumped in the right boat as far as which training company to go with! to be informed on the day what your company will be seems...out of touch.
I did forget to mention I am applying for September 2011 as I am in my final year on a BTEC Nat engineering course, which gives me and them plenty of time.
From what I can remember, Steve the interviewer said picking companies which offered the greater pay and no second interview was like winning the lottery.

It is good of them to consider all of my choices, but as I said I have to wait till March as the January intakes are still their priority, like yourself

[CharlieDelta]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

There's lots of good vibes going about for SSTG, though I'm surprised they don't tell you which companies offer pay above the standard...

[Chris H]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

There's lots of good vibes going about for SSTG, though I'm surprised they don't tell you which companies offer pay above the standard...

Well what I was told is they don't want cadets all going for the higher paying companies as they want people to think about the company and the sea time inolved, rather than the money.

It is a big risk to go out for 6 months and HATE it all because you wanted 50 pound more a week. I do agree with this personally.

[tempest]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Second interviews, aren't so much based about your SSTG file, as the company in question.

My second interview was more just confirmation, like a face to face to put things on the table, as opposed to an actual interview.

I don't know exact companies, or if anyone other SSTG cadets can say whether they had a second interview and which company they are with, but form what I gather it's about 50/50 which companies are happy to take the SSTG's word for it that you're suitable, and which companies want a little face time just to be sure.

For my money, there's two types of shipping company that recruit cadets using the SSTG, massive companies that are mainly after the tax breaks that come from having British cadets on board(all the companies want this, just some prioritise it higher than others) these are the ones where you're less likely to need a second interview.

Or smaller shipping companies(still huge corporations) that maybe don't recruit all that many cadets, that way it works in their favour to have the SSTG essentially work as a recruitment office for them, carrying out two sifts whereas if they were to do the recruitment themselves, they could literally end up with 4 or 500 applications for two cadetships, which would be a nightmare for them to sift through.

Obviously, as mentioned earlier, as Clyde tend not to tell you who your sponsor company is until you start college, it goes without saying, there is very unlikely to be a second interview with them

It is good of them to consider all of my choices, but as I said I have to wait till March as the January intakes are still their priority, like yourself

Well I was originally a September intake to, though I asked to be informed if any openings came up for Jan, as at the time of my interview I was told there was only 2 left, though I got a phone call about 2 weeks ago, for a company, and done my traveling for that, and now start college next week.

There's lots of good vibes going about for SSTG, though I'm surprised they don't tell you which companies offer pay above the standard...

It was explained to me, that they don't want the pay to influence people's decisions when choosing their preferred companies, possibly because some of the Tonnage Tax companies who offer the minimum deal might get left out despite taking the majority of cadets, or maybe it's more honest, and just so that cadets look at the ships as opposed to pound signs.


Also Chris in regards to Clyde, form what I've been told, if you apply your self, and work through it, you'll come out ok, plenty of their cadets make it through, it just seems to be that they don't offer the same support as SSTG, and are less interested, at the end of the day, Clyde Marine is a business, it's out to make a profit, the SSTG, is non profit, though will still have it's member companies interests at heart.

[steamer]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Don't think about the money-you'll have more in your pocket than most through SSTG! They are a fabulous company to have behind you, I have had nothing but warmth and kindness from them...plus I am one of the highest paid cadets in college (NOT my motivation-but a very nice surprise!).
I've already said on here that when I was interviewed, I was taken into the MD's office for a spot of photocopying and a chat...they are really relaxed where it counts and also very strict and motivational (ball breaking occasionally) at others.
Until I finish my cadetship I will not be able to offer a totally unbiased review, but from my experience with them-and that of a good friend of mine; I don't think you could go far wrong.
If you were to compare them with Clyde Marine-I believe that they are a very strong and supportive group. i am also very proud to be a part of a very mixed and diverse group that you would not have if you were sponsored directly by a single company.

[Chris H]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Yes the SSTG are very friendly! That is what I also found. Strange place Rochester but that doesn't seem to affect them to much

Until Feb/March there is little more I can do, other than wait for my turn to come.

[Pear]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

I've heard that with SSTG the companies that pay more are the off-shore supply, tugs and the like. The ones where you get worldwide travel and deep sea time (and in my opinion more fun) are paid less. However, even if you're with the lowest paid sstg company you still have a decent wage compared to cadets with other companies.

[Beef1992]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

not so true pear . you would be suprised

[Chris H]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

I've heard that with SSTG the companies that pay more are the off-shore supply, tugs and the like. The ones where you get worldwide travel and deep sea time (and in my opinion more fun) are paid less. However, even if you're with the lowest paid sstg company you still have a decent wage compared to cadets with other companies.

Regardless, I still wouldn't chose a company if they pay ?50 extra a month. My chosen companies reflect moi (a bit corny, sorry)

[alistairuk]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

Personally, I wouldn't choose a company based on money alone - if all-things were equal then yes, fair enough!

There's plenty of time to make the cash once your qualified and you're better off picking a company that you are happy with for your cadet ship - your first few months at sea will be hard and for example; if you end up sitting in a very stormy north sea, when you really wanted to travel the world all for a few extra pounds a week - you will regret it and that extra cash per week won't feel worth it! (Similarly, if you want to be close to home and end up on the other side of the world with 3 weeks at a time crossing the pacific, you will equally regret it!)

On a side note; Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but I do believe SSTG are also one of the few companies that pay for your accommodation at college.

[Chris H]

Re: Hello and a quick SSTG question

On a side note; Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but I do believe SSTG are also one of the few companies that pay for your accommodation at college.

They do pay for Accomodation -plus your monthly allowance. Is this not the norm with the likes of companies, clyde and the rest? I thought the goverment gae each cadet 50K packages...