I am in between jobs and need to get my radar. I was wondering if the industry pays for upgrades and renewals for most people. I have worked for little companies that pay for renewals but not any new school or upgrades. Most large companies like Kirby have their own schools. Working for a little company I have put in about 4 grand in for my steersman, 200 ton master, cpr, first aid, drug and physical tests plus lost work time. I plan on paying 6 hundred for radar and another upgrade to mate of towing( still have to have master on vessel) in a few months. The money is starting to add up and employment is still still slim.
What do you mean by “industry”? Are you between employers? If so there are a number of schools that you can pay for yourself to get needed upgrades. Just google “radar observer course” and you’ll get a whole list of places.
The industry is the different businesses that focus on transportation or the maritime transportation industry to be more direct. I was told we will call you a month or two ago and have not heard anything so I am unemployed. I am already set to take my class.
I was asking if anyone works for a small business that pays for training. All the ones I have worked for do not. I worked for Kirby and they paid for training and paid me a salary while in school. I don’t think any little company does this.
Sounds like if you had the choice you should have stayed with Kirby. Most of the majors will pay all or part of your training, as they tend to do it in-house like Kirby. The mom-and-pop operations wouldn’t dream of it, because they probably can barely afford just to keep their boat running and the crew fed.
As you go hunting for jobs this topic may be of interest to you to ask the employer next time. It is amazing how we learn these questions as we get older (and wiser) but when starting out a ‘newbie’ doesn’t know to ask such things!
And these are reasons why to STAY put when you do find one of them! I have worked at 4 companies over the years. Two paid for training, and two didn’t. One of each was a huge corporation, and two were mom and pop companies. So it is ‘hit or miss’ whether ‘industry’ will help you maintain or progress toward advancing your career. In this economy you better grab the first job that comes along though. Switch later if you need to gain a better employer.
I recently made a switch to a small company and they will pay for training. However, not to the same extent as one of the larger companies I have worked for. They are fairly progressive and realize the importance of training but they have to be fairly creative in their funding and aggressive about obtaining grant money to help offset the expense.
I’m not sure where you live, but the last couple classes I took (less than a year ago) where in La. and there were several guys in each class it seems that work for smaller companies and were going to school and a state grant. Might be something to look in to.
I work for Blessey marine and they use to give grants but not pay u while you are in school. But I do have to say when u going to get your Tankermans ticket they do pay for everything even u reg day pay even when I went to LG class they paid for me and all exp.
[QUOTE=jlgooding;46056]I am in between jobs and need to get my radar. I was wondering if the industry pays for upgrades and renewals for most people. I have worked for little companies that pay for renewals but not any new school or upgrades. Most large companies like Kirby have their own schools. Working for a little company I have put in about 4 grand in for my steersman, 200 ton master, cpr, first aid, drug and physical tests plus lost work time. I plan on paying 6 hundred for radar and another upgrade to mate of towing( still have to have master on vessel) in a few months. The money is starting to add up and employment is still still slim.[/QUOTE]
I would have to add it all up, but I can tell you that I have probably spent over 50g’s out of pocket over the years. I look at it as an investment in myself. With that said I am now with a company that pays for everything. Even some classes that are just nice to have. It did not happen over night and I do believe companies should invest in their employees, but I also believe that you must invest in yourself.