Aspiring deck cadet

[Deano88]

Hi everyone my names Dean. I would like to get involved with becoming a deck cadet. I have good GCSE grades in maths and science but I did not get a C grade in my English but Ihave C grades in other subjects. I?m also struggling to work out my UCAS pointstotal as I have NVQ'S in Plumbing & Heating Engineering any help you couldprovide me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[size4riggerboots]

Maths and science are more important than english. What grades did you get in those subjects? Are you sure that you want to go deck side, as your NVQs would stand you in good stead to go down the engineering route. Are you doing A-levels or looking to get a cadetship straight away?

[Deano88]

I got an A in Maths and a CC in Science. I was thinking of getting into a cadetship straight away. Any sort of input from someone like yourself would be hugely appreciated. Thanks

[size4riggerboots]

Ok, how much research have you done so far? (hint: we have a search function on here, use it!!) Also, go to the MNTB website, they have a list of all the companies you can apply to for sponsorship, I recommend applying to them all, but first make sure you know WHY you want to work at sea, have an idea of what's involved and what types of ships there are and what sector you would like to end up in. Put together a Spankingly good personal statement/cover letter for your CV,(what extra curricular things have you got that will make you stand out?) and be prepared for a long process, competition for cadetships has shot up in the last few years, so you'll be looking at getting a place in about a years time if you start applying now.

[Randomist]

If you've got A-C grades in maths, english, science and at least 2 other subjects then that's a good start. You could start an HND (or HNC whatever they're calling it now). Couple that with an A level in Maths or Physics giving you 120 UCAS points you could do an FD cadetship.

Both ultimately end up with your CoC which is all you need to become an Officer. Doing the FD isn't essential it's just an option. So don't be concerned if you can't total the correct number of points. It doesn't mean you can't do a cadetship.