110 Cebuanos get scholarships in maritime studies

CEBU, Philippines - More than 100 Cebuano students could now pursue their dream of being in the shipping industry after they were granted scholarships by the International Maritime Employers’ Committee Ltd. (IMEC).

IMEC Secretary General Giles Heimann said the company believes in the competence of Cebuanos, particularly the University of Cebu-Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC), in producing highly competent Filipino seafarers.

In a forum in the university last Thursday, Heimann said out of 10,000 applicants, there were 110 maritime cadets of UC-METC for the school year 2011 to 2015 who were given full scholarships by the IMEC. These students are assured of employment after graduation.

IMEC is a maritime organization funded by the International Maritime Training Trust (IMTT), which is composed of 130 member-companies from 40 countries. It has about 7,500 ships of different types and classes operating worldwide under its wing.

Heimann said the company provides great privileges to the scholars, who will enjoy free tuition fees, board and lodging, seminars, books, uniforms and others.

Heimann stated that the company will continue to have partnership with UC-METC in producing highly competent seafarers because they believe that Filipinos are good speakers and determined in their jobs.

He added that the program ensures the maritime cadet scholars get to earn during the internship and have jobs waiting for them after they graduate.

The IMEC and UC-METC agreed to give the scholars “2-1-1 academic system” in which the maritime cadets will have their first two academic years in the university. On their 3rd year, they will go on board a vessel for their apprenticeship and will be receiving a monthly allowance of US$500 out of which US$300 will be deposited to the organization for his fourth academic year in the university.

Once they became an officer, they will work for the principal company for at least two years.

The company provides them with air-conditioned quarters and classrooms, a study room in the library, a resource center with several computer units, a recreation room with television and various indoor and outdoor games.

The company employs different means in giving quality education for the scholars. It shoulders the responsibility of revising the training syllabus for lectures and practicum. It also makes use of German experts for the training materials in conformity with international standards. The company also invests in machinery and training equipment.

To qualify for the IMEC scholarship program, the cadets had to pass several screenings and examinations. —(FREEMAN)