Job demands?

The reality is that bartender wages usually mean room mate. They can make good money however living expenses are high. It is not uncommon that there are 3 or four guys sharing a one or two bedroom apartment.

To be a bartender in some of the better resorts you will need some form of experience. The resorts get so many people in who come down and work for a few weeks and then leave for the mainland again. (Its expensive for them to orient someone to a job only to have them take off) So they are looking for someone who is most likely going to stick around. Im not trying to discourage you, its just a reality.

There is an over abundance of young people down here wanting to "play in a band" so in general they play for next to no wages. If you have monetary backup and are looking to gain some experience playing in island bands to build your resume and have a good support system around you (supportive family and friends) I'd say give it a go. If your coming down here with no money hoping to "experience the islands" you will have a miserable time.

Aircraft maintenance positions almost always require an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license from the FAA. I'm assuming since you're 18 you don't have one.

Requirements from www.faa.gov

You must be at least 18 years old and able to read, write, and understand English.

You must get 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes, or 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time. As an alternative to this experience requirement, you can graduate from an FAA-Approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School.

You must pass a written examination, an oral test, and a practical test for both power plants and airframes within any 24-month period.

*******************************

I'm not trying to sound harsh, but just letting you know up front.

I understand I will need some schooling. Im debating on whether to go to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics or just get my mixology license. I am having a lot of trouble making a decision and I was just wondering what the demand for these positions is in the USVI.

Just hold off on going to PIA for a few years so I can get a job at Seaborne Airlines first.

JUST KIDDING!

Most aeronautics schools can be completed within 18 months to two years. Once you have your A&P it's good forever (as long as you don't get in trouble) and is something you can always use to try and get a job anywhere there is an airport. I'm working for a regional US Airways/United Express carrier in Indiana and building turboprop maintenance experience. After my daughter graduates high school in 6 years I'll be looking to move to STX.

There could be a possibility of working at the airport as a Customer Service/Ramp Agent, but the pay usually isn't that great.

Good luck with whatever you do. I have to go now, the Flyers are on TV. 🙂

Thank you guys so much for the advice. I realize the Aeronautics school is a better life choice but being 18 and living in a small town in Pennsylvania with bad weather and nothing to do is driving me absolutly crazy. I guess I need to take control of my "dumb kid" ambitions and do the smart thing. Oh well, 2 years isn't that long, I guess my plans will have to be put on hold for a while.

At least i'll have another summer to go see Buffett a few more times!

Boris,

I don't want to be a wet blanket on your dreams, I just wanted to let you know the cold hard facts. Actually, if it weren't for my wife reminding ME of the cold hard facts, I'd be in STX right now...and probably struggling. As of now, and with help from these boards I'm realizing that it might take a little time...but the Islands will always be there. It's really best to be prepared fully...however I can't really discourage "winging it" since that's what I would probalby do if I had the chance. Gotta love my wife for keeping my head on straight.

Maybe if you have the resources, take a recon trip to STX to check out everything you have questions about in advance. Stay for a week or two and figure out for yourself if you can make it work.

Good luck!