Advice needed for applications, and how to apply

[david]

Hi All,
I’ve read through a lot of this forum and I have a good idea of the processes involved in looking/applying for a trainee ROV role. But still have some questions.

My background:
Bachelor of Engineering in electronics/electrical. Unlike the academics I’m very practically focused. Worked as technician, designer, repairer for A/V and hifi industry (reknowned brands and audio systems in luxury cars) for 8 years.

My questions/problems:
– I applied for a position advertised as "trainee ROV tech" with a HR agency and got rejected. I suspect the HR person didn’t even read my CV as it clearly states my practical experience, and upon phoning them they insisted that they required someone with "practical experience" even though I told her of what I’d done. Then they changed their tune and said they needed "ROV experience" even though it’s a "trainee" role, and basically tried for any excuse to get rid of me.

Now, I know that the theory is most bachelor graduates can do the maths but couldn’t tighten a bolt. But I actually work in the industry as a tech, and I have both practical skills and theory. So what’s the problem? My background knowledge is superior to most techs with diploma level degrees and I do actually have pretty extensive experience in just about every type of electronic work. Is this just some bad luck/nasty HR lady or is this standard?

Which leads me to my next question:
– These positions don’t seem to pop up very often. I hear of demand here in Australia but I’ve scoured across all the company websites for months and none are hiring. I’ve checked on recruitment websites and only found a couple of positions in this time. Where do you go to actually look to apply? Do you simply bombard the local office with your resume?

– Also, there’s the issue of safety training. It costs heaps and honestly I don’t want to spend $20k to get trained up without any guarantees of getting work. Do any of these companies offer training or is it just something you have to do before you apply? That might be a killer for me. I simply don’t see the point of risking that sort of money for a position that I might not get.

Thanks.

[Roy Simson]

Hi Davidrov

Nice to see you on the forum but all the questions you are asking have been asked many times before just go to the ROV Rookie Corner .

At the end of the day it all comes down to you would like a Rov trainee job in the industry .The problem is there are thousands of others all with the same idea as your self .

My own view for what its worth is keep on sending out your cv but don’t spend any money on any courses as most of the main line rov company’s have there own in house training programs ,The same goes for your survival course and medical . Even if you did all the courses under the sun and got your survival course and medical there is still no guarantee that you would get a job from spending a few hours going through this forum your see that many people are asking the same things as your self .

Your cv would just join the thousands of others for the hand full of trainee positions that are available .

Just think of it as playing the lottery thousands play it and from time you do have a winner .

Good Luck

Raptor

[Ray Shields]

Why advertise Trainee positions when thousands of people are already applying in case there are jobs going? This is why very few are advertised.

I am one who always said someone with a degree can tell you the square root of an orange but couldn’t peel it. Generally Degrees and above do not teach practical skills. It may be that you have a lot of practical experience, have you considered not mentioning your Bachelor of Engineering on your CV? Just put in all your practical stuff? Play down the qualification, play down the designing parts, big up the practical hands on repair and maintenance side, that is what they are looking for, someone to fix and maintain equipment. Just a thought!

You mentioned applying to an HR Agency. Very few (there are some) trainees get in via an Agency. I totally disagree with the idea of an Agency supplying a Trainee in the first place. Imagine you calling a plumbing company for someone to fix your washing machine, but they send you a Trainee who you have to teach about plumbing before he can fix your washing machine!

Agencies should be supplying EXPERIENCED people, not Trainees.

As above, I would not go and lay out a lot of money on safety courses on the vague chance of getting a job. The majority of companies put people through these courses as a matter of normal employment. Very few will look at 2 CVs and go "oh, I’m employing HIM because he already has all his safety certs".

[Mohammad Hazwan]

These are requirements for Rov junior tech with OI singapore.(I believe its a trainee position)

Qualifications
Degree/HND/HNC or equivalent in Electronic/Electrical or Mechanical/Hydraulic Engineering and/or recognised Trade Apprenticeship in similar discipline.
Valid Offshore Medical
Valid Offshore survival
Must have a good comprehension of technical subjects and the ability to evaluate Electrical and/or Hydraulic Mechanical systems and their operation.
Capable of functioning as a team member, show willingness to learn and assist, as required, other members of the team.
PC Literate  

I understand that you do not need to take any survival or ROV courses to get in for a trainee position. But is it common to see a pre requisite for a trainee to have a valid survival and medical.

I realise for singapore company, those who got through usually went for an ROV course with MTCS or subnet. (Ive asked ard in linkedin n fb)

I have been trying to get thru this line for years with my technical background. But no luck.
So now shud i really go for these courses just to get the added advantage?

I understood that people are saying not to go for courses. But under the circumstances? People with these certs are getting the jobs! And I really want the job. Hehe

[T-Boy]

A typical question, asked time and time over, but at least you appear to have done a bit of research.

As I see it, you as well as many, many others in this familiar position have a skills gap.

In my opinion you need to concentrate on bridging this gap between working in ‘civvy street’ and working offshore.

In my opinion, training schools can be an aide, but on the whole, experience gained is more worthwhile to a recruiting company.

So, rather than trying to dive into the ROV industry, obtain some ‘bridging’ skills from a job that would be beneficial, i.e marine, ships, inshore any subsea engineering and as far as ROV; remember that this encompasses ANY vehicle that is remotely operated.

I believe armed with a bit of knowledge gained by stepping the ladder would stand you in good stead.

All the best of luck – be patient – Try not to run before you can walk – There is no (legitimate) shortcut to working offshore.

[david]

Thanks all for the replies and good advice. I’ll try to see about getting some boat time and/or hands on experience on ROVs.

[Author]

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