|
Post by Guest on Apr 23, 2008 6:32:48 GMT -8
There doesn't seem to be much diversity in that youtube video. Perhaps there isn't an influx of non-white non-Canadians applying for jobs with BCFerries. Anyway, I find it interesting on the BCFerries application that they have a question on there asking the applicant whether they are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. Is this actually legal? Do they screen out non Canadian citizens even if they are qualified and have experience? For some odd reason I think they do.
As a permanent resident in Canada, I would be interested in getting a job with BCFerries, but they don't seem to be interested in my application even after I spent my own time taking the beginning certifications like MED A1 & A2 and Marine Advanced First Aid and OFA Level 1 and listing these certs on my application. I don't really want to plop down an additional 7-8 grand for the Bridge Watchman program at Malaspina if they won't even look at my application with those beginning certifications.
Any other suggestions on how I can get my foot in the door with BCFerries or am I SOL?
|
|
|
Post by Guest on Apr 23, 2008 22:28:38 GMT -8
Start in one of the terminals then transfer to the ships. Now that BCF changed the hiring policy casuals wages are not that good. They really don't offer any incentive and you are classed as a seasonal employee.
I'am pretty sure towboat companies are willing to train a person that shows intrest.
If tourism doesn't pick up this year you may see layoffs at BCF and extra sailings cut back.
|
|
|
Post by ferrytraveller on Apr 23, 2008 23:16:23 GMT -8
well the same can be said about every shipping company on the great lakes, and they don't hired on call staff. Every crew member i have met there has told be don't work here, cause of the BS. SO really it all depends where you are working...
|
|
|
Post by West Coast Ferries on Apr 24, 2008 2:40:50 GMT -8
"They don't ever!"
But when it comes down to it, we're obligated to now give-in to elevating levels.
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Apr 24, 2008 22:28:39 GMT -8
From another thread but my response is more in line with this topic: BC Ferries keeps advertising need for employees, yet I have heard a few people here who like ferries do not get in. If they are really in a shortage, why are we literally being discriminated against? People who have a passion for something will perform well at their job and it will satisfy them since it is a dream. I see this also as a good customer service advantage since some members of the traveling public take interest (although not many) of the boats. If you are to have an employee that does not have some historical background, it makes it seem as if they do not care about their work in a ways. I do not see why BCFS has hired non ferry-geek people. Either they have terminal attendant positions full or it is discrimination against the ferry geek. I do have a question for you, P.I. Did BC Ferries interview you? If not, how did you communicate to them via the job application that you were a "ferry geek"? As an aside.. I know she's not in charge of hiring, but Deborah Marshall, at the Nanaimo open house for the Coastal Renaissance, asked the group of us if we'd filled out applications to work for BC Ferries (they had a booth open to advertise that they were hiring).
|
|
|
Post by ferrytraveller on Apr 24, 2008 22:35:04 GMT -8
well... some ferry geeks can get on i just got hired, i start tomorrow so its not impossible
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Apr 24, 2008 22:44:14 GMT -8
John, I am 16 and since BC Ferries does not allow workers until 18, I cannot give em an application let alone the fact I am in the states. Chris has told me he has applied numerous times to be a terminal and catering attendant at Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay and every time, there was never a call back which is what I was talking about. Karl I believe has also tried the same thing at Swartz Bay with no luck. I might have been over generalizing in terms of what kind of employment due to seasonal spots and some rather have casual employment. Perhaps they need to promote the education in the trade to get more people on board due to labour crisis. However, I am not sure about what will happen after the Olympics once the people working Olympic jobs will have to go somewhere else. BTW, in case any of you guys have business degrees jobs.bcferries.bc.ca/details/?postingID=909ferrytraveler: are you working on shore or on a boat? what route? and perhaps you might be a light for some of our members who want to go into BCFS.
|
|
|
Post by Guest on Apr 25, 2008 22:03:47 GMT -8
There is a shortage of employees because there is better options out there. Senior staff is trying every which way to retire and get out and get away from the crap.
Spend a few years with the company then base your opinion you will be looking for a better job.
The only thing about BCF is it is a steady job and THATS IT
|
|
|
Post by ferrytraveller on Apr 26, 2008 9:10:00 GMT -8
I am working on board the ships based out of Tsawwassen. I got hired on as an oncall seasonal employee. I will be working no set route for now, so i will be on routes 1 and 30 and maybe in the summer route 9A, But mostly just route 1. Most of the new hired deckhands all have at least taken their bridgewatch man course, and have their MEDS. Hope that helps some, i will answer any other questions as best i can.
|
|
|
Post by Political Incorrectness on Apr 26, 2008 15:08:58 GMT -8
Thanks ferrytraveller for the information. I just got one question, why does BCFS not have better working conditions? Was it better under the province? If it is that bad, then there is an underlying problem within the system. There needs to be a system to where workers are welcome and want to work, not feel like they just need a job and have no where to go.
|
|
|
Post by Guest on Apr 26, 2008 18:29:50 GMT -8
When BCF was govt run it was a little sloppy but not the problems of today. It will never go back to the govt control like it used to be.
Yes some things have been changed for the good but many things now is getting ridiculous.
It doesn't hurt to try it but BCF isn't as rosey as you think it is.
|
|
Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
|
Post by Mill Bay on Apr 26, 2008 22:05:38 GMT -8
Thanks ferrytraveller for the information. I just got one question, why does BCFS not have better working conditions? Was it better under the province? If it is that bad, then there is an underlying problem within the system. There needs to be a system to where workers are welcome and want to work, not feel like they just need a job and have no where to go. It is because in today's world of global economies and multinationals, making a forever greater profit is more important to most companies than their employees at home, except for top board members of course because they are somehow so much more valuable than the standard stock of the human race. I'm surprised... when a ship is too top-heavy, it capsizes, but most companies don't seem to feel their stability threatened by top-heaviness. Of course, in BCFerries we see this in a relatively smaller scale, but they are still trying to be top of the heap.
|
|
|
Post by Guest on May 5, 2008 4:08:24 GMT -8
Is it possible for a "visible minority" (I guess that's the term Canada uses), who is qualified, to get a job working at BCFerries as a deckhand or even a terminal position? Would they ask "do you have any Canadian experience?" I have not seen a single minority working on the boats when I've taken a ferry, unless they are behind the scenes somehow. If Vancouver island were in the United States, most of the jobs on he boats would be filled by people from Mexico (like, for example, the galley).....
|
|
|
Post by Balfour on May 5, 2008 7:49:46 GMT -8
I seem to remember reading a passage in the Bannerman book about many of the Galleys on the ferries being mostly Chinese immigrants in the early days of the ferry system. We don't seem to see that anymore...
|
|
|
Post by Scott on May 5, 2008 17:03:08 GMT -8
Is it possible for a "visible minority" (I guess that's the term Canada uses), who is qualified, to get a job working at BCFerries as a deckhand or even a terminal position? Would they ask "do you have any Canadian experience?" I have not seen a single minority working on the boats when I've taken a ferry, unless they are behind the scenes somehow. If Vancouver island were in the United States, most of the jobs on he boats would be filled by people from Mexico (like, for example, the galley)..... You have not seen a single minority working on the boats? How many times have you been on a ferry? I honestly don't know what you're talking about - I see plenty of minority representation on the ferries, from shore staff to deckhands to officers. There have been times when I've struggled to understand the announcements because of the accent of the captain or first officer. When I did a work experience stint on the Queen of Capilano 10 years ago, 2 of the 3 captains I "worked" under where from a minority group. And although I disagree with your observations, I could also depend on where the ferry is based and crewed out of. It's well known that immigrants tend to settle in cities and smaller more rural communities have less of a minority presence. So if you have ferries crewed off of one of the smaller islands or towns on the coast, then you will naturally have a smaller minority representation on that ferry.
|
|
|
Post by Northern Exploration on May 5, 2008 17:37:07 GMT -8
John I think you were dooped by the Super Secret Massive BC Ferries Conspiracy. You are just too nice. The visible minorities you thought you saw were just white guys in make-up. The women who are on the ferries are also just white guys in drag. This of course is only one of the manifestations of this massive plot. OUCH sorry I bruised my cheek my tongue was pushing so hard.
I do really believe that either the Super Centre or Overwaitea has bought some of their mushrooms from some grower that has secretly crossed wacky mushrooms with the regular button variety. If anyone thinks we have been hearing some odd and funny things lately just wait as these mushrooms build up in the blood streams of the victims. The posts will really be wild.
|
|
|
Post by ferrytraveller on May 5, 2008 17:48:43 GMT -8
i've seen some people who are a minority working on the ferries over the years when i have travelled. Many captains come from different countries and nationalities.
On another note, i start my BC Ferries Training tomorrow aboard the Spirit of BC, they are still looking for deckhands outta tsawwassen, so anyone with their MEDs should apply if they are interested!
|
|
|
Post by Scott on May 5, 2008 17:56:42 GMT -8
hehe, I have the MEDs but no Watchkeeping;)
|
|
|
Post by ferrytraveller on May 5, 2008 18:16:32 GMT -8
you don't need your watching mates ticket or your bridge watchman ticket, MEDS are all you need They only help when to get you ahead of the person your competing against.
|
|
|
Post by Doc on May 8, 2008 18:53:09 GMT -8
How easy is it to get into BCF as a customer service rep? I asked a question to the HR dept and they responded by answering my question and saying "forward your resume to us".
I'm 19, worked as an on-call construction medic, was a customer service rep at Metropolis at Metrotown and I have OFA-1 and very soon, I'm getting an EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certificate.
Also I love all the way in North Delta with no driver's license (soon i'll get it)--so about the whole on-call thing--how much notice would they give you? I saw some people say they give you a day's notice and some said they give you like thirty minutes notice.
Help?? Thanks!
|
|
|
Post by Doc on May 8, 2008 18:54:50 GMT -8
How easy is it to get into BCF as a customer service rep? I asked a question to the HR dept and they responded by answering my question and saying "forward your resume to us". I'm 19, worked as an on-call construction medic, was a customer service rep at Metropolis at Metrotown and I have OFA-1 and very soon, I'm getting an EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) certificate. Also I love all the way in North Delta with no driver's license (soon i'll get it)--so about the whole on-call thing--how much notice would they give you? I saw some people say they give you a day's notice and some said they give you like thirty minutes notice. Help?? Thanks! I should also point out that the mother of one of my best friends worked for BCF and said she'll put in a good word for me.
|
|
Prospective Employee
Guest
|
Post by Prospective Employee on May 15, 2008 4:09:44 GMT -8
you don't need your watching mates ticket or your bridge watchman ticket, MEDS are all you need They only help when to get you ahead of the person your competing against. So let me reiterate this. All I need to do is complete MED A1, B1, B2 and Marine Advanced First Aid and this "might" get me in with a Deckhand job with BCFerries? Also, where else in British Columbia (including Vancouver Island) can one take MED B1 & B2 courses other than BCIT?
|
|
Prospective Employee
Guest
|
Post by Prospective Employee on May 15, 2008 4:13:16 GMT -8
you don't need your watching mates ticket or your bridge watchman ticket, MEDS are all you need They only help when to get you ahead of the person your competing against. So let me reiterate this. All I need to do is complete MED A1, B1, B2 and Marine Advanced First Aid and this "might" get me in with a Deckhand job with BCFerries? Also, where else in British Columbia (including Vancouver Island) can one take MED B1 & B2 courses other than BCIT? One more thing I forgot to add: Also, I should pass the Seafarers Medical and have an outstanding personality to display during the interview (if I even get called for an interview).
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on May 15, 2008 7:23:21 GMT -8
So let me reiterate this. All I need to do is complete MED A1, B1, B2 and Marine Advanced First Aid and this "might" get me in with a Deckhand job with BCFerries? Well, one would think that. But Ferrytraveller is also currently in the middle of the 4 year Nautical Sciences program at BCIT. So that gives BC Ferries the idea that he has potential to move up that ladder quickly, as there's a shortage of deck crew. But yes, to sum it all up, that's what you need to be a Deckhand. Also, where else in British Columbia (including Vancouver Island) can one take MED B1 & B2 courses other than BCIT? Well, I'm only aware of a few other places at the moment. That is Camosun College in Victoria. Then there's also some courses provided by Peter Jonker in Nanaimo who I believe, is an ex BCF and Harbourlynx worker. Malaspina - Powell River Campus also provides these courses. One more thing I forgot to add: Also, I should pass the Seafarers Medical and have an outstanding personality to display during the interview (if I even get called for an interview). This would also help signicantly. Not only does the Seafares Medical prove that you're fit for working on a ship, it proves you're canibus free. So be prepared to Pee in a cup for them. I recieved my Seafares medical slip a few months ago, and it cost me about $120, and an hour of my time. You should be able to find a list of places where you can go to get this on the internet. Here's the List of Marine Medical Examiners in BC. Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by ferrytraveller on May 15, 2008 10:21:08 GMT -8
So let me reiterate this. All I need to do is complete MED A1, B1, B2 and Marine Advanced First Aid and this "might" get me in with a Deckhand job with BCFerries? Well, one would think that. But Ferrytraveller is also currently in the middle of the 4 year Nautical Sciences program at BCIT. So that gives BC Ferries the idea that he has potential to move up that ladder quickly, as there's a shortage of deck crew. But yes, to sum it all up, that's what you need to be a Deckhand. Yes that is the minimum for what you need they say. Although a bridge watch ticket will help you get the job over someone who doesn't have that ticket. There are about 7 people who were just hired from the bridge watchman program at bcit which is like 4 months i think. They have only done practical work and never worked on a BC Ferry or other commercial vessel. So it is possible, just get your MEDs and put your name in, they are still looking for people for deckhand.
|
|