Interview invite from SSTG

[Snecko Find all posts View Profile Close Snecko]

Hi all!

I've been lurking for a few weeks now, and I'm now starting to get word back from some of the places that I've applied to, so I figured I'd better sign up! Just want to start by saying thanks, as the info that I've read on here has been invaluable.

Anyway, soppy stuff is out of the way now. I've applied to a few different cruise companies (which is the vessel type that I would like to work), Maersk and a few different agencies. I just received a rejection letter from CMT which I'm a little disappointed at, but have been offered an interview at SSTG.

Now, the reason I bring this up is that I received an interview offer from SSTG within an hour of submitting my application. The two possibilities there are either that I'm the ultimate candidate or SSTG are desperate for cadets. Given that I've just been rejected by CMT, I think the latter is more likely. This gives me a few doubts about SSTG, and I'm not sure if they're unfounded or not.

I'm very keen to avoid working for the companies that are only interested in Tonnage Tax and are going to leave me high and dry come graduation, as are many others I'm sure.

So my question is, are SSTG worth a button? And should I be concerned by the speed at which they got back to me?

Cheers!

[bridgemonkey Find all posts View Profile Close bridgemonkey]

Nope don't be concerned. From what I've found with SSTG speed of response entirely depends on when they check their emails. SSTG are never short of applicants (think there was 4 figure numbers when I went through). Pretty decent companies on the whole but as with anything do your research. Only thing I would say is don't hold out for cruise ships too much with SSTG and if you really want cruises you are better off waiting for one of the specialist companies

[EH75 Find all posts View Profile Close EH75]

I did my training with SSTG and have no complaints. The training officer seemed to be more on the ball compared to my classmates who were with Clyde (and we got paid more too, although I think there has been a wage cut for people starting now).

Regarding companies themselves, as I say to everyone, try and get a company who at least employ British Officers as there is more chance of a job at the end and more chance of the officers understanding what you need to do to complete your training. SSTG have a few tonnage tax companies but also have plenty who do employ British officers. Chances of you getting a cruise company are pretty slim but I wouldn't let that put you off. You can always move after you qualify.

[Lewisscott22 Find all posts View Profile Close Lewisscott22]

Hi all!

I've been lurking for a few weeks now, and I'm now starting to get word back from some of the places that I've applied to, so I figured I'd better sign up! Just want to start by saying thanks, as the info that I've read on here has been invaluable.

Anyway, soppy stuff is out of the way now. I've applied to a few different cruise companies (which is the vessel type that I would like to work), Maersk and a few different agencies. I just received a rejection letter from CMT which I'm a little disappointed at, but have been offered an interview at SSTG.

Now, the reason I bring this up is that I received an interview offer from SSTG within an hour of submitting my application. The two possibilities there are either that I'm the ultimate candidate or SSTG are desperate for cadets. Given that I've just been rejected by CMT, I think the latter is more likely. This gives me a few doubts about SSTG, and I'm not sure if they're unfounded or not.

I'm very keen to avoid working for the companies that are only interested in Tonnage Tax and are going to leave me high and dry come graduation, as are many others I'm sure.

So my question is, are SSTG worth a button? And should I be concerned by the speed at which they got back to me?

Cheers!

You shouldn't doubt SSTG. They are a very efficient organisation - one of the few who actually view this site, so I would be careful!

If you do decide to go along to an interview you will meet a very kind gentleman who will discuss these subject with you.

I would think Clyde are almost full, but I am unsure. Have you thought about calling them up and asking where you went wrong? I recommend it.

SSTG do respond very quickly. There are not only two possibilities, maybe they are recruiting for a different time period?

SSTG are most certainly worth a shot, if you have any questions at all - ask them. You can discuss the sponsoring companies with them. I wouldn't look at there speedy reply as a concern. More a sign of efficiency.

Did you know that in 2012 (or 2011 - not sure) SSTG had over 6000 applications with only 200 places - you do the maths on that one. I doubt they are desperate to fill places.

Hope I helped.

[Snecko Find all posts View Profile Close Snecko]

Thanks for the swift responses guys, much appreciated. For anybody from SSTG that may be reading, I don't mean to slander your org! Just seeking advice as I'm new to this whole thing.

I would think Clyde are almost full, but I am unsure. Have you thought about calling them up and asking where you went wrong? I recommend it.

I sent them an email and received this reply: "Unfortunately at this time we have limited spaces available and have received applications which were in a stronger position." Vague, but I'm aware that I'm applying rather late and I appreciate a response rather than nothing.

I have another 12 days or so to respond to SSTG about arranging an interview, so I think I'm going to hold off and see if get any responses from the companies that I directly applied to. I don't mind if I don't end up cadetting on cruises, but I don't want to end up with a company that doesn't hire British officers. I think I'd rather wait and reapply next year than sign up for one of those. I'll be leaving an IT career to pursue a life at sea, so waiting another year for a better opportunity is thankfully an option that is available to me.

[Lewisscott22 Find all posts View Profile Close Lewisscott22]

Thanks for the swift responses guys, much appreciated. For anybody from SSTG that may be reading, I don't mean to slander your org! Just seeking advice as I'm new to this whole thing.

I sent them an email and received this reply: "Unfortunately at this time we have limited spaces available and have received applications which were in a stronger position." Vague, but I'm aware that I'm applying rather late and I appreciate a response rather than nothing.

I have another 12 days or so to respond to SSTG about arranging an interview, so I think I'm going to hold off and see if get any responses from the companies that I directly applied to. I don't mind if I don't end up cadetting on cruises, but I don't want to end up with a company that doesn't hire British officers. I think I'd rather wait and reapply next year than sign up for one of those. I'll be leaving an IT career to pursue a life at sea, so waiting another year for a better opportunity is thankfully an option that is available to me.

Fair enough.

Again, I would emphasis that they are watching. SSTG knew me before I turned up to my interview!

It is up to you, I wish you the best of luck.

[HarmlessWeasel Find all posts View Profile Close HarmlessWeasel]

Go to the interview. Don't turn anything down, you're not obliged to accept an offer if you get one

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