• Steve KØSTK@mastodon.radio
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    5 months ago

    @667 @HakFoo Unfortunately our club is fixated on scheduled instructor led classes (death by powerpoint for the most part) and in-person administration of electronic tests.

    They deliberately conceal the fact that self-study and on-demand remote testing are options when people inquire about getting licensed.

    edit: fixed wordwrap

    • 667@lemmy.radio
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      5 months ago

      That’s disappointing to hear. What would be the fallout within your club if you were to just go get licensed on your own? Does your jurisdiction permit licensure outside of clubs?

      • Steve KØSTK@mastodon.radio
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        5 months ago

        @667 In the US licensure is independent of clubs.

        There _is_ gatekeeping going on. It seems to stem from OMs who want to control how folks get into hobby.

        Although they won’t turn away a warm body toting a license…

        Edit: added tag line

        • 667@lemmy.radio
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          5 months ago

          Ahh ok, I’m US licensed also. Was surprised to see your club insists on such a rigid learning experience.

          You’ll know best for your present situation, but I’d encourage you to just go get your license on your own and get on the air. There’s plenty of media channels to learn.

          • Steve KØSTK@mastodon.radio
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            5 months ago

            @667 I’m already licensed … went “from zero to hero” on my own over a span of about 4 months back in 2011.

            It’s just so frustrating seeing the obstacles which are constantly thrown in the way of people who want to become licensed (or upgraded).

            Edit: licensing year

            • 667@lemmy.radio
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              5 months ago

              100%

              That’s wild your club makes newbies sit through such a course and refuses any kind of modernizations. OMs for sure.

              • Nick@noauthority.social
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                4 months ago

                @667 @k0stk maybe I’m lucky with the clubs around me in FL. They’d be so excited to help a new ham they would probably buy you breakfast, drive you to the test, and give you a radio. My club is growing with 100+ members. The other local group who doesn’t like club bureaucracy and paying dues just has a bi-weekly dinner at different restaurants. They are growing in size too.