Too old?

[Staf]

Hello everyone,


I've been recently made redundant from being a Service Technincian and was hoping to re-train as a Deck Officer. The thing is i'm 39 and was hoping to do a Pre-Cadetship course this year so i would actually be 40 when try to secure sponsorship. Am i being realistic in trying to do this? Any other oldies out there who have been successful doing this? Just would like an idea before forking out for a course next month,


Thanks,


P.S. Great forum by the way!

[HarmlessWeasel]

There's a chap with my company about to start in September who's 39.

[Staf]

Excellent, thanks for the quick response. Which company you with?

[HarmlessWeasel]

No problem. I'm with maersk. Don't take my word for it, but with your life experience you could probably go straight for the cadetship as long as your maths is up to scratch. Someone with more expertise than me will probably be along soon to confirm or deny it

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[YoungMariner]

There are quite a few people coming through the system aged 30+ and 40+. The job is one that you must really have a passion for, because I'd say it would be harder for you then the younger guys being a cadet onboard, but if you really have that determination, then follow your dream.

[laura]

Guy on my course was 37 when he started... I would say go for it! Lots of more mature cadets... think it can be a bit weird in a class with fresh faced 17 year olds, but you'll probably have different kinds of advantages. Anyways good luck!

[Staf]

Appreciate the feedback everyone. I suddenly feel more encouraged!

[All At Sea]

I can remember when I was at BRNC seeing a few RFA cadets who were well over 30 starting their training, one of my mess mates' father completed his RFA cadetship weeks before we started and he was in his late forties. So joining at 39/40 wouldn't be unprecedented!

[ospriet]

Go for it! The average age for a cadet is something like 26, and I reckon most of us at that age will have more in common with you than with the lads and girls that have just done their A Levels

[Blondie]

I'm in my early thirties and subject to an unrestricted ENG1, will be starting my cadetship next month. Go for it!

[size4riggerboots]

Age is irrelevant... not a hippopotamus.

[Blondie]

Nor a rhinoceros