Careers at Sea: Interview With a Trainee

The following is an extract from an interview with a recently qualified trainee with the general manager of the ship safe training group:

Why did you decide to go to sea?
My enthusiasm stemmed from talking to one of the SSTG staff who was attending a careers exhibition. I never realised what is involved in keeping a large ship at sea, and they made it sound really interesting.

Of what did your training consist?
Whichever training programme you chose, the format of the training is similar with phases at college interspersed with time spent on ships gaining practical experience. I enrolled on the HND programme, although today you can also follow a Foundation Degree programme.

Why did you choose to train with the Ship Safe Training Group?
It is true that I had a lot of choice. I went for interviews with several shipping companies, and a few in other sectors as well. The interview process went very smoothly and everyone made me feel really welcome. I felt that everyone was genuinely interested in me as a person and that I would get the support I needed throughout my training.

The SSTG look after the training for wide range of maritime companies, so how did you choose the particular sponsor you joined?
That was discussed when I attended the interview. The member companies operate a wide range of ships. We discussed the different types of vessels you could train on and the various aspects of the lifestyle unique to each. I then had the opportunity to think about the options available before making my decision.

What did you particularly like about training with the SSTG?
I liked the support that I received throughout my training. My training officer was great. The whole team at SSTG were really committed to seeing me get through. Sometimes the training was not easy and I probably did not make their job any easier, yet they constantly helped me and I appreciate that now.

What aspects of the SSTG support did you really find helpful?
SSTG booked my accommodation and paid the cost direct to the college, so that was one thing less for me to worry about. Not everyone lives in the halls, but I did not find it too bad and it gave me something to complain about when I saw my training officer!

Would you do it again?
Yes, definitely. Although I would not take it so easy next time and get down to the hard work earlier…

Ship Safe Training Group Limited,
135 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1EW
T: 01634 820 820 | F: 01634 820 821
E: recruitment@sstg.org | W: www.sstg.org