Is Experience in the Shipbuilding Industry Useful?

[Chris10]

Hi everyone,

It's been quite a while since I last posted but it looks I am going to have another shot at entering the Merchant Navy (deck cadet, December intake). I currently work in shipbuilding as an apprentice (currently working in the design office but have had basic experience of tasks like welding, wiring amongst other things), do you think this would help in an application? The only thing is I did find stuff like wiring rather difficult (takes me a while to get used to some practical tasks), whilst the theoretical side of most things was something of a doddle.

The main reasons why I want to leave are as follows. Firstly, I find it rather boring sat behind a desk all day sitting in front of a computer (would be much better if everything was "real-time"). When I applied for the position it was stated that we'd be able to work in testing etc. but things seem to have drastically changed so we're likely to be limited to design work. Also, the topic of career stagnation was brought up by quite a senior employee in my department (design) so I don't see my career really going anywhere. Lastly, there is pretty much no discipline at all which means other apprentices get away with some seriously daft things (deliberately shocking each other with electrical testing equipment, vandalism of each other's work etc.) because I don't take part in the stupidity I seem to have set myself apart from them. I know there's banter but they just take it too far.

I wouldn't tell an employer all of the above (leaving out the stuff about other apprentices) but I have posted it because it hopefully gives some clarity as to why I want to leave. Would my experience so far benefit me bearing in mind I could be seen in lacking commitment (dropped out of uni too).

[billwillis]

Sounds like you're working with a gang of **** wits.

Happens to me in every job I've had, the most recent, being....

Work ****wit: "What did you do last night"?

Me: "Went for a walk, read a bit, and got my head down at nine"

Work ****wit: "What, you didn't watch TOWIE, or Britain's Got Talent?"

Me: "I don't watch TV really"

Work **** wit "Oh...."


I later lip read her saying "he's a bit weird him"

As for your situation. Go for it. Any maritime interest is an advantage, as long as you do your homework on the role, turn up with your shoes on, and your hair combed, there's no reason why you won't get yourself a cadetship.

Apply for them all, I've said it before, and I'll say it again; If you throw enough ****, some of it sticks! Apply for them all, then you can have the pick of the companies.

Set yourself a few hours aside, or why not do it in work? From what you've said about your "colleagues", counter-productivity is thriving where you are.

Good luck, and if you have any more questions, this is the place to come.

[GuinnessMan]

Hi everyone,

It's been quite a while since I last posted but it looks I am going to have another shot at entering the Merchant Navy (deck cadet, December intake). I currently work in shipbuilding as an apprentice (currently working in the design office but have had basic experience of tasks like welding, wiring amongst other things), do you think this would help in an application? The only thing is I did find stuff like wiring rather difficult (takes me a while to get used to some practical tasks), whilst the theoretical side of most things was something of a doddle.

The main reasons why I want to leave are as follows. Firstly, I find it rather boring sat behind a desk all day sitting in front of a computer (would be much better if everything was "real-time"). When I applied for the position it was stated that we'd be able to work in testing etc. but things seem to have drastically changed so we're likely to be limited to design work. Also, the topic of career stagnation was brought up by quite a senior employee in my department (design) so I don't see my career really going anywhere. Lastly, there is pretty much no discipline at all which means other apprentices get away with some seriously daft things (deliberately shocking each other with electrical testing equipment, vandalism of each other's work etc.) because I don't take part in the stupidity I seem to have set myself apart from them. I know there's banter but they just take it too far.

I wouldn't tell an employer all of the above (leaving out the stuff about other apprentices) but I have posted it because it hopefully gives some clarity as to why I want to leave. Would my experience so far benefit me bearing in mind I could be seen in lacking commitment (dropped out of uni too).

As a deckie? Unlikely because you're more towards the Engineering side working there, so if you are called for interview, expect a question or two about it.

To be honest, I don't think it will hurt because it's not tesco's and you're not sitting on your arse. If you were interested in the building and maintenance of ships, then I highly recommend becoming an Engineering cadet instead, where doing what you've done will be a good tick in the box.

However, they will ask why you left in the first place...

[Chris10]

Thanks for the advice on this one.

billwillis-Sadly does sound like a remarkably accurate description of my current colleagues, thankfully I'll be away from them for a good while. Will apply to various sponsoring companies over the weekend should I not fail my ENG1 (tomorrow).

GuinnessMan-Have considered engineering but my practical skills aren't particularly that strong compared with my academic skills. Whilst I am that all disiciplines require both types of skills, from what I have read engineering seems to require more hands-on work which isn't a great strength of mine. Also, I have a basic understanding in navigation and meteorology from having an interest in aviation, so I might be able to apply some of this. Besides I have tried two very different sides of engineering already, I don't really think it is where my long term career interests lie, my interest just doesn't seem to be there as much as I think it would need to be for me to make a real success out of it. Also, I spent some time on the bridge and chart room of a vessel quite recently (whilst it was moored though) and was fascinated by it, I instantly thought "that's something I could really see myself enjoying".