Is the Training and Recruitment Centre (Jamaica) a scam? So many persons have asked this question. And rightly so. Because there are many agencies promising local, overseas and cruise ship employment, but then it never materialises. These companies take advantage of the fact that many Jamaicans want employment, and even more so, overseas or cruise ship employment.

Now, I cannot speak for any other agency. But, I can share my experience with the Training and Recruitment Centre (TRC). Firstly, TRC is not a job agency or job bank. It is a Staffing & Recruitment Agency. This means, TRC acts on behalf of Companies. Companies will contact TRC with the positions that are vacant. Then, TRC will work to fill those positions. They do this through recruitment/job fairs as advertised on their official Facebook page.

My first contact with (TRC) was in September, 2016. I did not know anything about them. There was just an advertisement via Whats App about cruise ship job fair in Jamaica. I searched for the company on google, and then decided to give it a try. So, I got my documents ready, as per their advertisement.

Initially, I was very skeptic because I always heard about agency scams in Jamaica. So, I made sure to check if they required any fees to be paid up front in order to start the process. To my surprise, TRC did not require any registration fees whatsoever. Additionally, a close friend of mine assured me that her cousin worked on ships and that TRC was the agency she used. Because I did not know anyone working on ships, I took my friend’s advice and decided to proceed.

I submitted my resume to them on September 25, 2016. By October 7, 2016 I did my first interview (the pre-interview with the Agency representatives). My second interview was on November 3, 2016 (with the Cruise Ship representative). This is the same day I submitted all my documents (I remember this well, because it was a few days before my birthday). By November 4, I got my job offer. Now, this does not happen as quickly for everyone. But, over the years, I found, that once TRC sends the invitation out, then it means the cruise companies need people to work. And once you submit your documents and have the relevant experience and skills, then you WILL be contacted. And I should know, because I only had a little under two years experience for the job I was applying for.

The processes that come after you have been offered the job can go as smoothly as you want them to. What do I mean? You need to ask questions, confirm the instructions you receive and always, always follow up. Remember, there are always hundreds of applicants contacting the agency all day everyday. So, there is always a possibility for messages to be delayed, so you have to take the responsibility and be present at every step. Remember, this is YOUR job.

The next steps are the ones that will require money, some of which is paid to TRC. But, remember this money is not for TRC. You will pay the money in the TRC account but it is used to pay for the courses at Caribbean Maritime institute and the visa/visas you will need. The next steps after the interview include the following and are best to be done simultaneously:

1. Get STCW certificates from Caribbean Maritime Institute. Depending on the group, TRC might organise new recruits in batches. This might be done in a one week period. For example, mine was done between December 16 and 21, 2016. The courses included:
   • Basic Safety Training
   • Crowd and Crisis Management
   • Security Awareness
2. Apply for any necessary visas for travel (TRC will advise and assist you with the process) – this fee was refundable once you sign on to the ship
3. Apply for your seaman’s book. See application form below.
4. During this time, the TRC will advise when you should do your full medical. The pre-employment medical assesses if you are fit enough to start work. The cost for the medical will vary depending on if you do it in Montego Bay or Kingston (personally, this one is more expensive)

Quick Tip: Once you get any of the above documents, ensure you send a copy immediately to TRC. This can be done by scanning (or just take a photo with your phone) and emailing the document. This way, the agency knows you are progressing and can advise the hiring company that you are almost ready.

Once this is all finished, and you have all the documents, then you are presented with your letter of employment and contract. And that’s it, you are on your way. So, No Training and Recruitment Centre scam here.

Enjoy your contract!