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View Full Version : Severe work force shortage


captfrankie
05-03-07, 03:13 PM
We don't hear much about it in our corner of paradise but the marine industry and Inland Towing Vessels especially are going through a period of shortage. In every level and on all types of boats we just don't have enough people in the industry at the moment to staff all the boats that need to be working. What this means is that the employment market in this area is wide open and wages are extremely competitive. If you have or have known anyone to watch a towboat pass through Brooks bridge and wondered what it would be like, now is an excellent time to find out.

As most of you know I am Captain on a towing vessel that works the Mississippi River for Ingram Barge Company. I think some of you may have seen pictures of her. Ingram Barge Company is the largest inland towing company in the country with boats on nearly all of our inland waterways (this is the company that might provide us with a barge one day). They are looking for a few good men or women. Bet you didn't know that life on the river is for girls too. However the few women we have that work as deckhands have found the work to be challenging, they are given every oppuritunity to advance and there are some in the industry that have made their way to being Captains, we even have two female engineers.

Personally I would rather our young people continue their education. However we can't deny that college isn't for everyone and some just don't have the means or gpa to continue their education after high school. I am one of those, with no financial support and a GPA that was high enough to graduate from FORT WALTON BEACH HIGH but not high enough for any school to think of me as a schoolarship candidate. I turned to Inland Towing and have had a very productive career.

If any of you know a young man or woman that might be interested in working 6 months of the year on a 28 days on and 28 days off type schedule then have them look at the company's web site for more information. If you know someone that is about to leave the military and isn't sure where they go from here, tell them to look. This life isn't for everyone, but for those that can adjust their lives to this life style it can be very rewarding. Just imagine what it would be like to have 28 days off in a row and still get paid. It would seem like unlimited fishing.

www.ingrambarge.com/barge_employment.asp

Feel free to email me any questions you may have. Check the website out I think you will find some interesting information in it that you might not have seen before.

Tell them that Capt. Frankie Chambless sent you when you talk to them.

charliel
05-04-07, 10:24 AM
Passed this info on to family in the Mississippi gulf coast area. Not sure if anyone is looking but you never know.

captfrankie
05-29-07, 08:39 PM
I would like to restate my earlier post. If any one knows of a young person that is in need of a good job, that will provide them with good honest work, good benefits and good pay have them contact our HR dept. Ingram Barge Company has several immediate openings for inexperienced and licensed (OUTV is minimum) individuals alike.

The contact info is listed above.

Of course you can always contact me and I will tell you what I know.
(Sometimes that is limited.)

captfrankie
07-16-07, 08:37 PM
I will try to get a list of wage rates in the next few days, especially the entry level positions. Of course if there are experienced individuals that are interested in giving Ingram Barge Company a try the HR Dept will usually bring you in at a higher than entry level rate.

rob
07-17-07, 09:38 AM
Capt Frankie, do you know of any opportunties in the Miss, La, Ala areas for fire service personnel? Once I retire (in a couple years) I'll be looking for a job probably in fire service. I'll have 20 years experience USAF fire protection. Just trying to get a few early ideas.

Thanks

The LaJess II
07-17-07, 05:52 PM
Capt. Frankie my son just graduated from High School and this is something that he may be interested in. He went into the website and read up on what they have to offer. He was especially interested in being able to work up to the Engineer Training Program. He asked me to ask you when you get the entry level pay information to email it to me. My email address is shoalriv@hughes.net and he wanted me to ask you where he would be based if he decided this is something he decided he would like to do. Any information you can give him would greatly be appreciated.
Thank You
Debbie Barlow

captfrankie
07-17-07, 08:43 PM
I will be talking to some of the HR people tomorrow and will make it is point to ask for a pay rate sheet. When I get it I will be glad to share it with any one that wants it.

Rob, have you ever considered teaching. A few years ago I was required to take a Ship Board Fire Fighting course. After looking around a while for a school that fit my budget and time restrictions I found Delgado Community College. They had one of the best Fire Schools around for the marine industry. Their instructors were all career firefighters some from municipal departments and some from military departments. There is no value that I can put on their combined experience.

This School used to be in New Orleans East. However, since Katrina they have had to move north of Lake Pontchartrain, I think they are in Mandeville La now.

I can get the web site info for you if you like.

rob
07-18-07, 07:11 AM
Capt Frankie, yes I've thought a little about teaching but know the first step is finishing my degree. I'm currently working on my BS (should be finished in a year. Once I finish I may start a masters in Emergeny/diaster management (only 10 or 11 additional classes) Best thing the USAF pays 100% tution so why not:) . I was thinking the oil industry in and around La maybe have some job opportunities. I was talking to someone a few months ago who worked on a rig off of La and the schedule they work sounded really good. I think it was 14 days on 14 off. I could commute from here with that type of schedule. I'm a couple years from USAF retirement so I'm trying to think ahead.

Maybe we can talk at the social if I can make it. My kids have swim lessons that evening.

captfrankie
07-18-07, 09:27 PM
Rob, I don't think any of those instructors had teaching degrees. As far as that goes a degree would not have increased their knowledge of the field.