John Crampton was content with his job at Gordon Food until his hours were cut This was when he realized that he needed something more stable, and he became a regular at the Traverse City Michigan Works! Service Center. While conducting his job search in January, 2005, he came across a posting for Norwegian Cruise Line. “I applied for the position just like I applied for 10 thousand others, thinking I wouldn’t get it”, he said. “Everyone kept telling me it wouldn’t happen, but I kept checking my email anyway.” Finally, John did receive an email - but it was not good news. His resume had been rejected. Not giving up, John called the company and they said that his resume was merely outdated. He immediately updated his resume and sent it back to the cruise line company. This time it was accepted.

In the weeks that followed, John received multiple emails instructing him on security checks, criminal checks, driving record checks, etc. The Michigan Works! staff were there to help with phone calls, faxing, and any support he might need. Each day they asked for something new: personality tests, physicals, school manuscripts. Through it all, John did not get discouraged - he just kept jumping through every hoop that was thrown his way. His perseverance paid off. After 5 months, they sent John his itinerary for training.

Norwegian made all the necessary arrangements for his travel and lodging in Pine Point, Maryland. Starting June 23, 2005, he attended a 3-week training course at the Seafarers Harry landenberg School of Seamanship. After successful completion of that training, John was flown to Los Angles for a 3 week Terrorist Training course, which he also completed successfully. Then he was off to Honolulu and to Norwegian Cruise Line’s homeport, Aloha Towers.

John sailed his first Voyage in August 2005. He is currently working on the Pride of America, a 920-foot cruise ship that holds 2,500 passengers and 1000 crew members. John is one of an eight-man crew that provides security for the whole ship. Norwegian has 3 American ships and only employs 14 Security Staff, an elite group that is responsible for the security of these enormous ships and their passengers. John leaves for his 3^rd Rotation on August 25, 2006. Each rotation is 4 months on and 2 months off (paid vacation); he usually opts for the extended 5 months on - 2 months off, because they pay him a bonus for the extra month. All of John’s travel is paid for so he comes home to see his wife, Sandy and his 3 kids: Kara & Kaitlyn (7 yrs. old) and Michael (5 yrs. old). For his next vacation, John is planning to take his family on a cruise. Whenever he is home, John likes to stop in to visit our Service Center. “I like to keep my resume updated.” And we love to hear about his latest cruise. John’s words of encouragement for those who are out there looking for work: “Don’t get discouraged by rejection - just keep searching.” Maybe you can find a dream job like John did!