Older Applicants

[Unregistered]

With older applicants, are qualifications important?
I've been a working man for almost 15 years. I didn't come out of school with the best grades, but equally not the worst.
I have a good work history & can get outstanding references.

If I was to apply, would there still be a requirement for GCSE certificates even though I've been working for years?

thanks

[CharlieDelta]

Moved to Aspiring Cadets from Anonymous - not particularly sensitive.

[YoungMariner]

There are plenty of older people applying for cadetships, I would recommend having a look at what requirements on the companies websites. www.careersatsea.org.uk is a good start, and try to figure out what you meet and what you don't. I think that its unlikely you'd be accepted without the required grades in mathematics and physics/science, because of the basic level of knowledge required before the start of the course.

[YoungMariner]

Also, I believe you can do a GCSE in about 6 months or a year distance learning if you need to top up your qualifications. Many local colleges offer GCSE's as a night class as well.

[big frog]

I think grades count, although I have no actual knowledge of the facts and how companies choose people to interview.

Competition for cadetships is tough and the course is academic - they'll want to know that you can do the course. There are hundreds of people applying for few places and any reason to chuck you off the list will be a good one.

If you do take your GCSEs in preparation, it shows that you are serious about changing careers and more likely to get a positive response.

[Lewis]

Moved to Aspiring Cadets from Anonymous - not particularly sensitive.

Some people are sensitive about their age especially ladies :P

On a more serious note. We cant really say much about grades without knowing what you have. My experience has been older cadets seem to do better than younger ones. At least in my experience ie less drop out, have better work ethic etc. I don't know if companies recognize this though.

On side note am starting to think potential cadet should be made to get a job, live in real world for a year or two before starting their cadetship.

[YoungMariner]

Some people are sensitive about their age especially ladies :P

On a more serious note. We cant really say much about grades without knowing what you have. My experience has been older cadets seem to do better than younger ones. At least in my experience ie less drop out, have better work ethic etc. I don't know if companies recognize this though.

On side note am starting to think potential cadet should be made to get a job, live in real world for a year or two before starting their cadetship.

I'd suspect that the guys who start at 16 or 18 probably stay at sea longer then the older entrants. It's much easier to brainwash and institutionalise younger guys, the older ones I find become disillusioned earlier on. I joined as one of the young ones, and have sailed with both old and young guys, both have been good.