(NAPSA)—Many Americans are getting in on an educational program wheretheinitial expense is minimal, thefirst job is guaranteed and there are viable careers with family-wage incomes. Theyre applying for the apprentice program with the Paul Hall Center, which prepares people to be U.S. Merchant Mariners. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and qualify for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential, and U.S. Passport. The School The Paul Hall Center for Mar- itime Training and Education,affiliated with the Seafarers International Union (SIU), prepares students for successful careers as U.S. Merchant Mariners. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school offers entry-level training, ongoing voca- tional classes, academic support and more. The school emphasizes hands-on training and features topnotch educational equipment such as simulators for deck and engine work,all in a picturesquesetting. Classes, meals and lodging are free for those in the apprentice program. Graduates of the entry-level training program are guaranteed a first job aboard one of the SIU’s contracted vessels. What’s more, the apprentice program doesn’t have to be the end of the line when it comes to training—the school also offers dozens of “upgrading” courses for experienced mariners. More than 25,000 apprentices have graduated from the trainee program and more than a quarter million training certificates have been issued for individual completion of deck, engine, steward and safety courses. ay ee Students are streaming toward one training facility that doesn’t charge for tuition, room or board and assuresall of its graduates a first job. The Career The Merchant Marine is com- posed of men and women who crew U.S.-flag commercial vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways and Great Lakes. Although referred to as the nation’s “fourth arm of defense,” America’s mariners are civilians working for private companies and not members of the armed forces, although in addition to transporting commercial car- goes, members of the Seafarers International Union move matriel for the military all over the world. Civilian mariners have played a vital support role in the nation’s conflicts since the United States was founded. Seafarers crew all types of vessels: containerships, tankers, bulkers, passenger vessels, tugs and much more. Someof these vessels are under contract to transport troops and military goods as well as crewing the many vessels involved in international trade. U.S.-flag ships can be seen regularly in the major ports of the world. Learn More For further facts, call (800) 732-2739 or visit www.seafarers. org/jobs/entry.asp.
