Engine Cadet

MSC Cruises; Greater London; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bursary

Fully funded tuition

Training at sea

Job summary

MSC Cruises invites you to join the Engine Cadetship programme, a three-year blend of study at a UK nautical college and hands-on training at sea aboard our ships.

As a sponsored cadet, all tuition fees and training costs are fully funded, and you will receive a bursary to focus on developing your professional skills. Upon completion, cadets are certified as officers responsible for engine room operations and safety, paving the way for a rewarding maritime engineering career.

Qualifications

• At least four GCSEs (A*-B) including Maths, Science and English.
• British or Irish passport/UK residency with right to live and work in the UK.
• Pass Maritime & Coastguard Agency ENG1 medical exam (eye sight test).
• Vaccination policy compliance by all successful candidates.

Responsibilities

• Learn engine room operations and machinery systems.
• Gain hands‑on maintenance and troubleshooting experience at sea.
• Prepare toward certification as officers responsible for vessel safety.

Skills

Maritime interest

Life at sea

Proactive mindset

Team player

Communication skills

Education

GCSEs including Maths/Science/English

Job description

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

**JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2027 INTAKE**

Applicants must hold a British or Irish passport / UK residency for at least one year with existing legal right to live and work in the UK.

Are you ready to trade the ordinary for the extraordinary? MSC Cruises invites you to embark on a thrilling journey through our Engine cadetship programme, launching you into a life of exploration, challenge, global discovery – where you can gain invaluable experience, and form lifelong friendships.

Our cadetship programmes offer a structured blend of academic study at an accredited UK nautical college and practical training at sea, aboard one of our cruise ships. As a sponsored cadet, all tuition fees and training related expenses are fully funded by us. In addition, you will receive a bursary, enabling you to focus entirely on your professional development.

Upon completing the three-year programme and passing the oral exam, cadets are certified as officers responsible for the safety of the vessel, crew, passengers, and cargo we carry - setting you up for a strong career in the maritime industry.

Your Impact

As an Engine Cadet, you will be immersed in the core of the ship's operations, learning all about the engine room, machinery systems and what makes the ships run from a technical perspective. You will acquire valuable hands‑on experience in everything from industrial maintenance to high‑tech system troubleshooting, preparing you for an interesting career. This is your opportunity to delve into your enthusiasm for the sea, learn from professionals, and embark on an exciting journey to becoming a proficient engineer. We are searching for eager, interested individuals that are willing to get their hands dirty and keep the ship running smoothly.

Your Journey so far

• A strong interest in developing a career in the Maritime industry
• Willingness to adapt to life at sea, including the unique challenges and rewards of a maritime career.
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach and ability to work cohesively in a multicultural environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – a team player mentality is a great attribute for a career at sea

Your Essentials

• A strong work ethic and desire to learn
• At least four GCSEs (or Scottish equivalent) at higher grades 9–6 (A*–B), including Mathematics, Science, and English.
• All candidates must be in good overall health and physical condition and must pass a Maritime & Coastguard Agency certified medical examination (ENG1), which includes an eyesight test.
• All successful candidates are required to comply with the company's vaccination policy.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long‑term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await.