As one of the premier maritime scholarship in the country, IMEC continues to seek aspiring maritime professionals to man their ships. A cadet training program is provided by the International Maritime Employer’s Council (IMEC) to foster young Filipinos’ aspirations of becoming elite ship officers.
Its this time of the year again when slots are up for grabs for a full scholarship from IMEC.
Over 600 cadets had successfully finished the program, and another 480 were enrolled in its Enhanced Cadet Training Program, according to the organization’s official website.
IMEC at a glance
The International Maritime Employers Council otherwise known as IMEC, started its operations in the Phillippines in 2006.
This is a collective union of around 220 shipping companies, mostly from Europe that negotiates deals in regards to seaferer employment, among others.
Currently, they only have one partner school in the country. That is the Maritime Academy of Asia & the Pacific (MAAP), one of the premier maritime schools in the country.
There are possibilities of expanding to other maritime schools in the future if MAAP cannot meet the requirements or demands of the council. As of the moment, the number of sponsored cadets in the program can still be filled by MAAP.
Scholarship Benefits
As with other maritime scholarships, IMEC cadets enjoy handful of perks and benefits of being one. Here are some:
1. Free Board & Lodging – Almost every scholarship houses their cadets. IMEC is no difference as IMEC cadets will enjoy this perks inside MAAP dormitory dedicated to them.
2. Free Tuition– IMEC shoulders the tuition fee of their cadets thoughout the entire academic year. For 2-1-1 scheme, cadets shoulder the tuition on their 4th year after apprenticeship.
3. Free food, uniforms and first rate trainings – among other benefits provided by the generous member-sponsors of the program.
4. Secured slot for apprenticeship – the grandest benefits of them all for any scholar cadets is this one. 1 year full apprenticeship or 2 x 6 months at sea is already secured. There is no need to worry about this part of academic requirement.
They will be in the 2-1-1 scheme, similar that of the NSA scholarship program. Their first two years are spent in school, and their third year is spent in an actual apprenticeship, during which they discover how to live, work, and survive the demanding life at sea.
In order to get their college degree in their fourth year, they eventually go back to MAAP
If you are interested in travelling different country with good salary you should take your chance and apply for a scholarship today.
RELATED: How to avail of the NSA Scholarship program?
How to avail of the program?
Here are the steps on how you can become one of IMEC cadet scholars:
1. Pass the MAAP Entrance Exam
The Maritime Academy of Asia and pacific or also known as MAAP is the leading institution of excellence in maritime education in Asia-pacific region. They provide top quality education and training program for their students. If you want to start applying for an IMEC scholar you should pass the MAAP exam given every year. You can check their website for schedules on when they give the exams.
2. Download and completely fill up the application form
You can find and download the application form from the official IMEC website and email it to [email protected]. The application form is for your enhanced scholarship cadet training scholarship application. Never forget to send this as this is an important part of applying for a scholarship.
3. Take and pass the IMEC exam.
The IMEC exam is conducted yearly and scheduled on the given dates. You can take the exam from their offices at different suggested location that is posted on their website. You should check for announcements or updates and make sure you are prepared before you take the exam. Once you pass this, everything will be an easy step.
4. Undergo an interview conducted by MAAP.
MAAP will reach you once you pass their exam to set you up for an interview. Prepare yourself and act confident so you can impress. Be sure to be prompt and look clean.
5. Pass the IMEC interview
Once MAAP interview is done of course you will also need to be interviewed by IMEC since you are applying for a scholarship grant. Just be yourself and ace it.
6. Pass the medical exam
In order to qualify for the scholarship they shall determine if you are physically fit to even apply. Once they see you are healthy then you should not worry.
7. Pass 1.5 months IOP
Your eye is important so you should make sure you pass this one.
8. Enrollement
The final step into becoming an IMEC scholar is your admission to the school.
Furthermore, once you’re in, follow all regulations religiously as it may jeopardize your scholarship. It is important for a cadet to be in line with the school and the program’s policies for a successful years inside the academy.
Once employed onboard ships, you’ll realize that all the hardships encountered in the school program is worth it. IMEC scholarship is definitely worth your try!