New entrants follow a cadet training scheme, with sponsorship from a shipping company, which normally lasts for three years.

Training

The College’s cadet training programme is extremely well established. It attracts over 200 students each year from all corners of the globe.

Our cadets learn the theory and background knowledge they need to support their training, from experienced maritime professionals. They’ll also practise what they learn in our well-equipped workshops, simulation centre and safety training centre.

The course is demanding and challenging but also interesting and varied; and our cadets enjoy excellent career prospects.

Sponsored training

If you join us as a cadet, you’ll be sponsored by a shipping company. Shipping companies recruit suitable candidates as potential deck or engineering officers. They will support you through your training and pay you a salary or allowance during the training period.

Course structure

Schemes are available for deck, engine and electro technical certification. All follow similar patterns of periods at South Tyneside College and periods at sea. You can normally expect to be at college for six months of the year and at sea for six months; however the exact number and duration of phases will depend on your individual cadet programme. Most cadets complete their training in three years.

Excellent career prospects

At the end of the cadetship you will achieve either an HNC or HND or Foundation Degree together with a Certificate of Competency as a Watchkeeping Officer. You’ll also have gained all the practical experience you need to start your career at sea.

Starting salaries start at around £18-21k, tax-free, rising to up to £40k, and often with six months’ leave every year. With all board and lodging paid for while you’re at sea, it is an extremely attractive career package.

At the end of the cadetship you could progress to higher professional qualifications and gain promotion at sea to Master or Chief Engineer, move ashore into the wider shipping industry, gain higher academic qualifications, or all of them!

Interested?

If you are interested in a very rewarding career in the shipping industry you will need to apply for sponsorship from a shipping company. Go to the Careers at Sea website for details, or call us on 0191 427 3930.