Career Advisers
We hope you’ve found this website informative. Our aim is to provide pupils in their final years at school with information and to outline the career opportunities available to them in the Merchant Navy. We have conducted case studies with young Trainee Officers who are still in training to bring to life their views and opinions while they commence their career in the Merchant Navy.
By now you should have received an information pack with leaflets and postcards which are to provide pupils with information on a career in the Merchant Navy. Each School Library and Pupil Care and Support Team should have also received a copy of the information pack.
For more detailed information you can visit Merchant Navy Training Board or contact the largest Scottish Marine Training Company Clyde Marine Training who can organise a visit to your school to further educate the pupils on a career at sea.
Please find below some FAQs
Q: Why would I recommend a career in the Merchant Navy?
A: At a time when jobs are hard to come by, the Merchant Navy offers students fully-paid training and a chance for them to discover the world, learn responsible new skills and provides the opportunity for a shore–based career when it suits mariners to settle down. The Trainee Officers are sponsored by a shipping company who aim to provide them with full–time employment on completion of their full training.
Q: Why should I advise on a Merchant Navy career unless it is already being considered?
A: Your pupils may not be aware of the Merchant Navy and the opportunities and job security it offers. Our own research has discovered that many students and their parents / carers are unfamiliar with the Merchant Navy as a career choice, often confusing it with the Royal Navy or having outdated beliefs about everything, from the training provided to facilities on-board.
Q: What if a young person wants to go to university?
A: No problem. There are degree courses available, full details can be obtained from the Training Companies. Also students who choose to study for an alternative degree in engineering can be sponsored for their final two years at university by one of the sponsorship companies should they decide to pursue a career at sea.
Q: What are the entry requirements?
A: Five Standard Grades (or GCSEs) including Maths, English and Physics.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted
The entry requirements for the Foundation Degree and Scottish Diploma require 120 UCAS points which should preferably include A Level or higher passes in Maths or Physics.
Note: Physics can be substituted by Technological Studies or, in the case of Deck Officers, Chemistry will be accepted
The entry requirements for the Foundation Degree and Scottish Diploma require 120 UCAS points which should preferably include A Level or higher passes in Maths or Physics.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Go to Merchant Navy Training Board – the official Merchant Navy website - and have a look at the student testimonials on this website to find out, first hand, what they think of life in the Merchant Navy.
Q: What about the earning potential?
A: Newly–graduated Officers can take home tax–free earnings in the region of £23,000 pa.
Q: What about the long-term prospects?
A: 90% of the worlds trade is carried by ships. Trading nations will always need ships and men and women to crew them, so long–term prospects are excellent in the Merchant Navy. The demand for qualified officers to work ashore is now higher than ever.
Q: Will they learn any transferable skills?
A: Very many. Employers in all walks of life value the experience, self–discipline, reliability and many skills former Merchant Navy Officers bring to the workplace.
