I was wondering if anyone here has gone to the Job Corps QMED/AB training at Tongue Point? I was told I’ll be put on “Work Base” by the councillor I talked to but didn’t specify when? I’m looking forward to it and while I gotta wait a little bit on my passport I got my TWIC card. Has anyone here been on “Work Based Learning?” How long does it last? I was told I could be stationed anywhere in the country? Has this happened to anyone? I’m really excited to do engineering since up to my 23rd birthday I been around Semis going cross country with my dad and been in school for machining and almost done getting my ata in welding.
My goal is to either get on with Foss or one of the Local tugs in Seattle-Tacoma or work on the container ships that go around the pacific. In my off time I plan to work up on my certs so I got more responsibility which means more fun. I been lurking on here time to time after I got my TWIC and Interview done. I’ll be on and off on here during my time there. Who knows I might meet one of you on a WBL.
For engineering in general what’s the most needed designation to go for? I understand on one form say QMED-Oiler another says DDE? Any recent graduates or currently enrolled Job Corps seamanship Students/alumni on here?
First, make sure you like it. Assuming you finish and get to work, you can get the lowest level DDE with a year of sea time. If you end up sailing deep drafts, three years to get a 3rd assistants ticket.
If you decide to stick with tugs or other various workboats, going up the DDE chain makes more sense and building from that. Everyone will recommend to set aside realistic goals, have patience, and don’t dick around procrastinating to upgrade when you have
the means.
[QUOTE=Ctony;177701]First, make sure you like it. Assuming you finish and get to work, you can get the lowest level DDE with a year of sea time. If you end up sailing deep drafts, three years to get a 3rd assistants ticket.
If you decide to stick with tugs or other various workboats, going up the DDE chain makes more sense and building from that. Everyone will recommend to set aside realistic goals, have patience, and don’t dick around procrastinating to upgrade when you have
the means.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the advice, I’ll certainly keep it in mind. The work they mentioned is the kind of stuff I am interested and been around. To hate it they would have to be not teaching me what I need know to do the job and do it right the first time.
I don’t mind working in shitty conditions, I love being around diesels since I spent a good chunk of my life on a Semi including engine repairs, reefer work, pnumatics. My view is if someones whining about starting from at the bottom, they aint fit for the job up top.
Granted I worked in what to some of you would consider laughabley tame. But working in engine room is the route I’d love to do. If it takes how much ever time to rise through the ranks heck its worth it. If I didn’t want to do it I would of just taken Welding and spend my life making sparks and arcs.
[QUOTE=Ctony;177701]Fdon’t dick around procrastinating to upgrade when you have
the means.[/QUOTE]
This. Upgrade as soon as you are able. Even if you have to take out a small loan.
There is a guy I’m sailing with right now who was dragging his feet because of “office politics” which I won’t bore you with here. I asked him what the hell he was waiting for, an engraved invitation?
[QUOTE=catherder;178190]This. Upgrade as soon as you are able. Even if you have to take out a small loan.
There is a guy I’m sailing with right now who was dragging his feet because of “office politics” which I won’t bore you with here. I asked him what the hell he was waiting for, an engraved invitation?[/QUOTE]
Indeed only a fool would sit and wait if they can upgrade their ranks and show more ability. He may think “all good things come to those who wait.” but when oppertunity rises one must take it by the reigns. Its why if things go to plan ill study twords each upcoming rank for where ever I might go.
If I can up my skill/rank filling the required time and education and ability why not? Worst case scenereo is you try again and again until you get it right. Though I think ill toss another question out. Is there any suggestible reading I should pick up? Something to get a firm hold working engine room and mechanics? I know for machining we had a little pocket book called “The Machinist Guide.” Real handy piece of litature that helped me through Machine Shop.
I figured I signed up for the 18-24 months might as well keep focous. But then again im the kinda wierdo that reads Chiltons and FSM’s for fun but can’t spend 5 minutes reading a Harry Potter Book without questioning why Voldamort is an idiot.