Job Discussion Forums

[nomad soul]

[sicklyman]

In the year and a half I have been here, colleagues in BAE who I meet from time to time have, on each occasion, mentioned some other perk or benefit that has been whittled off the package BAE offer. Any morale they once had is gradually but surely being drained away. Many are looking to see if there's something better on the horizon. The package isn't what it once was, partiucularly since the working day was lengthened recently.

the curious thing about that ad is that it doesn't state the duration of the contract. In the last year, BAE have shown a preference for replacing those full-timers who have left with temp contracts for 8 weeks at a time. They fly you in, you spend 8 weeks with your head spinning and, by the time you've just about got settled, you're out again. My first question would therefore be how long the contract is for.

Cadets are awful and teaching facilities leave a lot to be desired. So, expect nothing at all in terms of job satisfaction. You start at 6am too which isn't for everyone, particularly your students!

The compound connected with that job is very well equipped with restaurants, tennis courts, a bowling alley, an Olympic-sized pool, gyms etc. It also has more bars per square kilometre than anywhere else on earth, if that's your thing. Housing is bland but spacious. But you are way out of town (for security reasons) which can be a challenge for family as the compound can quickly feel like a prison camp if you don't get off it from time to time. The Causeway to Bahrain is very close though so there's always an escape route that way.

For the record, this info is all I've picked up from hanging out with BAE teachers and visiting the compound over the last 18 months so any errors are my own.

[efldr]

I'm scratching near 40 - where life begins. The 5.5 years done a few years ago. I've been out tefl for 2 years now.

[efldr]

There's also been and gone a 3-5 month contract on telfcom's new improved website. Stated urgent placement needed. With 6am starts - when do you expect the 'shabaab' to leave? Heck - those students must fall asleep after 1hr of chalky grammar translation. Do you use tasers, or cattle prods to liven the sessions?

Would be interesting to know what type of people they actually choose! It's always clinical 'native-UK/US' - with our red passport. Mr.Smiths and defo no Mr.Abduls I guess. A puritan neo-nazi theory festered by a bunch of sand hoola-hoopers.

I can't wait to see all the dry nonense in the kingdom again. Reminds me of a faulty towers, mr.bean and step-toe and son brothel - with lots of i-d glide lube.

[peacefuldays]

Hello

Just had an interview at BAE Systems a few days ago. Its a Competency Based Interview so be prepared for it.

Some info id like to share. Not very well organised, but should give you an idea of what to expect:

It's a 2 year contract and you'll have to fly out as a bachelor. They told me that I'll be placed on a waiting list to get my family over but they can't state a time frame and it can take quote "a long time."

10 days compassionate leave.
7 days emergency leave.

I arrived at their sprawling facility near Preston and handed over my passport to get the security clearance pass.

The lady arrived to pick me up from the reception. Lots of security around.

I was taken into a room and shown a video of how good life is in Saudi, the luxurious incarceration compound facility, the huge swimming pools, the perks etc etc. A lot of emphasis on the security aspects and how secure the compound is and shit like that.

All BAE employees HAVE to live on the compound and are not allowed to rent their own accommodation.

It's a panel ( 3 interviewers - 2 male and the 1 female that escorted me in to the room) interview which lasted about 1 hour.

The interviewers are based in Dhaharan and you talk to them via video link. (kinda cool I thought)

Some questions that were asked. ( I was told that all candidates are asked the same questions):

1) What do you know about BAE?
2) Why do you want to work here?
3) Why did you leave your previous job?
4) Tell me your greatest strength and greatest weakness.
5) describe your best and worst lesson
6) How would you teach the past simple to a mixed ability class?
7) There was a question about communication. I can't recall exactly what it was. But I think it was about rapport with students / how you will get on with your colleagues. Or sort out conflict between your colleagues.
Do you think using electronic devises in the classroom is important? Why? Give reasons.
9) How would you use a projector in your classroom/ Lesson?

They use Cutting Edge as the coursebook working toward achieving a City & Guilds certificate.

Work starts at 6am and ends at 3pm.

They said it takes 20-30 mins by bus to get to the learning center from the compound.

I guess a teacher's work load is greater compared to the rest of Saudi institutes.

I didnt ask about the wages but i'm sure they pay in gold bars.

To be honest, I'd rather work for half the wage and have less of a work load rather than being cuffed in golden handcuffs and made to work my arse off. My previous job in Saudi paid decently with 80 days paid holiday and was like a walk in the park. Got in at 8am and was home by 3:35pm. Cool.

But if you like working hard and earning a lot of money to pay off your 30 year mortgage to unshackle yourself from bank slavery, then this job may be for you.

Take it easy. Have a Kabsa and some Pepsi. This is Saudi Arabia.

[size=18]On a serious note, I wish you the best of luck if you decide to apply.[/size]

[scot47]

Single status for a long time. then MAYBE you can bring dependants. Go with KFUPM and you can take dependants on Day One, BUT the education allowance will not be enough to send your "babies" to a Western School. KFUPM is a more realistic proposal if your wife can get a job.

[efldr]

Anyone have the name(s) of the compounds that they place you in? Wifey insists on a huge kitchen or she'll need a truck full of abilify.

Are we looking at 6-8 months without the babies and wifey? Boy-oh-boy, no real women for 6 months, how do you I survive?!

[sicklyman]

[efldr]

I hear the plug-holes are made of gold too? Or was that UAE. A real women comes in handy; especially with preparing lesson plans.

[scot47]

6-8 months ? And then another bit. More like a year or a year and a half.

[dragonpiwo]

Sara compound.

[jaffa]

[scot47]

Celibacy is good for the soul. Ask the Romanists.

[dragonpiwo]

How this mob hires defeats me. Several of my pals have recently been hired yet my CV got rejected. I have the same qualifications, am early 40s but I have a lot more Middle East experience. My resume is good. Only thing is they are single and I'm married. I know the job sucks but the dosh looks good if you want to save. My options in the UAE have the same pay but I know we'll save much less.

[scot47]

You get black marks for being married to a foreigner. I kid you not ! BAe is still in the mindset of Biggles and the Eagle Comic - circa 1955.