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[li]A general question for WBA-Guru.
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Do you see many transfers from State Maritime Schools?
I know of several state school cadets that are struggling with academics, regiment or life changes (birth of child) that may preclude them completing the 4-5 year program. For those who find themselves in that situation but remain interested in pursuing a career on the water, was wondering if this might provide a viable option.
Reason for asking is I work with our schools TRO (Training and Retention Officer) to help struggling cadets stick with the program. Where we are weak is in offering cadets options if they ultimately decide our school is not right them.
[li]Great question, thank you! The Workboat Academy has a great rapport with the State Maritime Academies; we recommend some of our candidates to them and vice versa. We appeal to a different audience than the State Academies and tend to be more suitable to candidates who have worked on vessels, have a lot of recreational boating experience, hold a college degree and are self-motivated. We also appeal to candidates who want a more hands-on approach and appreciate the two year time investment versus the 4 years. This being an apprenticeship program, it allows cadets to connect with their companies during their 360 days at sea and hopefully continue to work with the Partner Company once they have received their licence. (almost 90% of our cadets remain with the companies they apprenticed with) Please bear in mind that if you opt to enroll in the Workboat Academy, you will have to tajke the entire program. Since this is a USCG Workboat Academy approved program, you cannot transfer any of your courses previously taken.
[/li][li]Please feel free to contact me for further questions.
[/li][li]Marja van Pietersom
[/li][li]Assistant Director Workboat Academy
[/li][li]marja@workboatacademy.com
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