Best course of action for 20 yr old with no trade experience?

[AnnClambiss]

Hello,

Is it best to go to diving school while you're still pretty young (20-21) or while you're a bitter older (maybe like 25-26) but with trade and scuba experience? Because I heard on this board that 24 was "on the older side". Is age that big of a deal when looking for new divers?

And btw I have a certification from a trade school in welding and metal fab. but that was a few years ago and I really haven't touched a welder since.

 

[Superlyte27]

I went to Commercial Diving School in my early 20's. If I had it to do all over again, I'd have gone to Nursing School. Better pay, better hours, better benefits, better family life.

It's not coincidence that the phone book lists Divorce right after Diver.

 

[Oldbear]

20-21 years...hands down join the U.S. Navy and enter their diver program. Get some valuable life experience...plus diving.

BTW...my audiologist was a U.S. Navy Seal, then commercial diver, now my hearing doctor...see the progression. But it is your life pursue your dreams.

 

[AnnClambiss]

20-21 years...hands down join the U.S. Navy and enter their diver program. Get some valuable life experience...plus diving.

I think I might look into that deeper but I don't want to even bother if it's not a guarantee that I get into their program.

Thanks for the reply's guys.

 

[DCBC]

If you're positive that this is the direction you want to pursue, I'd gain experience as a Welder in construction (preferably in the oil industry). After you secure your commercial diving ticket, you will actually be in a position of securing employment. Employers want Divers who can get the job done. Diving is always a secondary factor.

I was a Navy Diver before I entered the commercial diving industry. I would make this your first-choice to gain experience, especially if it's a MOS that's construction related (as opposed to a combat related tasking).

Don't believe anyone who says that "24 is on the older side." I never knew anyone who wanted to hire a kid with no work experience. I've hired more than my share of Divers. Having a ticket is a given. What is your related work experience? If you don't have enough, all things being equal, someone else will get the job.

 

[mdax]

Both the Navy and Army train commercial divers. The military will not only pay for the training but give you experience and some time to learn the world and yourself.
Training isn't guaranteed for either program, heck basic/initial training isn't guaranteed either, you need to make the grade yourself.

 

[AnnClambiss]

If you're positive that this is the direction you want to pursue, I'd gain experience as a Welder in construction (preferably in the oil industry). After you secure your commercial diving ticket, you will actually be in a position of securing employment. Employers want Divers who can get the job done. Diving is always a secondary factor.

I was a Navy Diver before I entered the commercial diving industry. I would make this your first-choice to gain experience, especially if it's a MOS that's construction related (as opposed to a combat related tasking).

Don't believe anyone who says that "24 is on the older side." I never knew anyone who wanted to hire a kid with no work experience. I've hired more than my share of Divers. Having a ticket is a given. What is your related work experience? If you don't have enough, all things being equal, someone else will get the job.

Yeah I have no related work experience. I've pretty much only worked in a factory soldering wires. I could technically call that welding experience though haha.

Did you join the Navy wanting to be a diver? Were they really choosy about who goes to diving school even if you met all the qualification? I want to know if I stand a good shot at getting in.

 

[DCBC]

Did you join the Navy wanting to be a diver? Were they really choosy about who goes to diving school even if you met all the qualification? I want to know if I stand a good shot at getting in.

I joined the Canadian Navy as a Clearance Diving Officer and was assigned to the Experimental Diving Unit. I've extensively worked with the USN EDU, as well manyl NATO countries. The USN has many different aspects of Divers, while other NATO countries have Divers perform a number of functions (combat through construction). For example Navy SeaBees have Divers that are specifically tasked with underwater construction, but Navy SEALS are combat specialists. In either case, competition is tough and the drop-out/failure rate for both the U.S. and Canadian Navy programs have a failure rate of over 90%. Recruiters however may promise you anything, but if you get selected and are successful. It's will give you the best possible preparation to Commercial Diving. In the industry (like most) there is a number of groups you can belong to that will tend to open doors for you. Being a ex-Navy Diver is one of them. Others are a background with a specific company, or the school where you received your training.

 

[AnnClambiss]

I joined the Canadian Navy as a Clearance Diving Officer and was assigned to the Experimental Diving Unit. I've extensively worked with the USN EDU, as well manyl NATO countries. The USN has many different aspects of Divers, while other NATO countries have Divers perform a number of functions (combat through construction). For example Navy SeaBees have Divers that are specifically tasked with underwater construction, but Navy SEALS are combat specialists. In either case, competition is tough and the drop-out/failure rate for both the U.S. and Canadian Navy programs have a failure rate of over 90%. Recruiters however may promise you anything, but if you get selected and are successful. It's will give you the best possible preparation to Commercial Diving. In the industry (like most) there is a number of groups you can belong to that will tend to open doors for you. Being a ex-Navy Diver is one of them. Others are a background with a specific company, or the school where you received your training.

Ok thanks guy. I still got some thinking to do about joining the military.

 

[DivingOtter]

The Military isnt always a for sure. If you fail to meet their requirements for dive school, or any job at that your going to be put with a " needs of military" status. Choose wisely. I am moving on to greener pastures if that gives you an indication of how great this industry really is.