Access to Merchant Navy at Lewes Castle after Clyde Marine knockback

[scott125]

Hi
Back in Feb i had an Interview for Clyde Marine but unfortunely didnt get a place, i appliedbefore in 2009 as well and was knockbacked due to recession . I applied for SSTG but never heard back . As a back up i applied for Lewes Castles Access to Merchant Navy but i have 2nd thoughts .

Doing this course is good grounding but i wondering if im wasting my time as Clyde Marine/SSTG wont take on next year despite doing this course . I dont want to waste a year.

Any 2nd opnions?

[Ducki52]

WEll it seems that the course is run/sponsored/supported by CMT, and that you 'may' be offered an interview with a shipping company on completion of the course. I would say go for it, its another string to your bow that shows you are committed to this career, which you certainly seem to be by the fact this is your second year applying for places.

Go do the course and next year apply to everyone, not just one or two companies. Someone out there will have you, I applied to everyone I was eligible for (about 8 companies), got two interviews and one offer.

[ETwhat?]

you dont want to waste a year. ask clyde for some feedback from the interview and explain that your considering doing this course to fill the time and make your self a better candidate. but also be aware that they simply might not want you and the mn isnt for you.

[YoungMariner]

I agree that you should get feedback, and ensure that you've applied to every single company on the careersatsea website, in addition to following up the applications with e-mails and phone calls.
I can't really understand what this one year course will actually give you.

[size4riggerboots]

Sounds like a money spinner course to me. Never heard of it before, and I'm even more suspicious of it having googled it and looked at the course description:
NQ Access to Merchant Navy

The UK shipping industry relies on recruiting highly motivated young people to operate and manage the wide range of ship types that trade on a world-wide basis. The purpose of this new training programme is to prepare young people for a career at sea by providing them with the necessary basic skills and qualifications required by ship operators in the UK.
Level

NQ


Entry Requirements

Candidates will be interviewed prior to entry onto the course and will need to demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the Merchant Navy.
Consideration will be given to your present qualifications. It may be necessary to undertake academic development within the programme to prepare you for shipping industry minimum entry qualifications.

The UK shipping industry relies on recruiting highly motivated young people to operate and manage the wide range of ship types that trade on a world-wide basis. The purpose of this training programme is to prepare young people for a career at sea by providing them with the necessary basic skills and qualifications required by ship operators in the UK. You will need to demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in the Merchant Navy. Consideration will be given to your present qualifications. It may be necessary to undertake academic development within the programme to prepare you for shipping industry minimum entry qualifications.

The shipping Industry minimum requirements for entry are five GCSE or Standard Grade passes at Grade C or 3 (or above) including English, Mathematics and either Physics or Dual Award Science. Deck Officer Trainees may substitute Physics or Dual Award Science with Chemistry.
We may be able to improve your present level of qualifications in order to achieve these requirements

This course is open to both male and female students. All candidates will be required to meet the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (ENG 1) merchant navy medical and eyesight standards prior to being accepted for the course.
Duration and Mode

1 year, Full-time
Description

Students attending full-time courses may be entitled to receive financial assistance. The type and amount will vary according to personal circumstances and the level of course being undertaken. All eligible full time students will have their course fees paid to the College on their behalf. Please contact the college for further information.

Course Code: LEAMNOTF

Progression

On successful completion of a one-year course young people may be offered an interview by shipping companies. The outcome of the interview could then lead to sponsorship with a shipping company.

Cadetship (Deck or Engineer).

So, that's told me what about the course exactly??

[minchmermaid]

I have heard it's done as a course by people in the local high school. You do about an hour a week and learn some chartwork and basic ship ops and do first aid, sea survival etc. One of my friend's brothers has done it.