Shipping Cadet - Deck - UK

-; Sunbury-on-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global energy company is seeking shipping cadets to join their journey. As a cadet, you will learn to navigate and operate vessels while gaining qualifications in marine operations. The role involves physical tasks and training aboard LNG carriers. Candidates must meet educational requirements, including 56 UCAS points or GCSEs in essential subjects. Flexibility for shifts and resilience in challenging environments are key for success in this position. This unique opportunity prepares you for a rewarding career at sea.

Benefits

Generous allowance starting at £11,000 per year

Paid exam and course fees

Hands-on training with experienced officers

Qualifications

• Must have 56 UCAS points or 4 GCSEs with Mathematics, Physical Science, and English.
• Must be 18 years old by 1st September 2026.
• Applicants must pass a medical exam and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Learn to navigate the ship and handle cargo operations.
• Monitor equipment and lookout for other vessels.
• Complete training divided between college and on-board experience.

Skills

Mathematics

Physical Science

Resilience

Adaptability

Education

56 UCAS points or equivalent with 4 GCSEs at grade B / 6

Completion of a maritime/engineering HNC or HND

Job description

Job Description

About bp

As a leading global energy company with a presence in 61 countries, bp's purpose is to deliver energy to the world, today and tomorrow. Across the bp landscape, we're home to a range of brands across many areas of our industry.

We are one of only a few companies that can deliver energy at global scale through a decades-long energy transition. Delivering our strategy sustainably is fundamental to achieving our ambition to be anet zero companyby 2050 or sooner.

About bp shipping cadets

Picture yourself cruising the oceans on a multi-million-dollar Tanker, transporting commodities all over the world. And you could become a fully trained officer with internationally recognised qualifications in just three adventure-filled years.

We will pay your exam and course fees and give you a generous allowance (starting at £11,000 per year) to help you enjoy your journey.

Opportunity Information

This wide-ranging opportunity will make you a key part of the crew. You will learn to navigate the ship safely, load and unload cargo, handle the ship's legal and commercial business, and oversee mooring operations.

You will handle physical tasks such as chipping rust off metalwork, and bridge / cargo watch keeping, which involves monitoring equipment and looking out for other vessels. You will also shadow more senior crew and help monitor cargo operations, maintain equipment and more.

In time, you will learn to plan the ship's passage and learn all about anchoring, and cargo operations.

You will split your time between nautical college and on board one of our LNG Carriers. Please note: this opportunity will not be based at the bp Sunbury office

This opportunity involves day/night shift work, so you need to be flexible in working hours.

You will be driven, with an adventurous, can do attitude and resilience to challenging environments, an aptitude for learning, respectful and able to work

Minimum Entry Level Requirements

• Either 56 UCAS points (or equivalent) and 4 GCSE's at grade B / 6 (or above) must include Mathematics, a Physical Science, English
• Or successful completion of a maritime/engineering HNC or HND plus GCSE (**or equivalent as approved by the college) grade 5 / grade 'B' or above in all the following subjects: mathematics, science and English language
• Must be 18 years old by 1st September 2026
• Applicants normal place of residency is in the UK
• Applicants will need to pass an industry-standard medical examination and background checks in order to complete a placement at sea

What will you gain after completion of programme

This will depend on what qualifications you already hold.

Once you are trained and qualified, you will have a UK foundation degree or college diploma in marine operations and deck officer unlimited certificate of competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Which will allow you to work on any vessel.

Depending on your academic qualifications you may have the opportunity to complete a BSc (Hons) in Nautical Science

Your growth is important to us. After all, it's our team's dedication and expertise that help us achieve and develop. You'll find a culture where learning's encouraged, with all manner of training available. Becoming a trained officer is only the start. From here; you can become a navigating officer, Chief officer or even a Captain.

Other Information

Please note the following when applying:

• You can only apply to one bp early careers opportunity globally per academic year - within this time, we will only process the first application you make. You will be withdrawn from any subsequent applications.

• Assessment centres are a key part of the assessment process and will be in person - bp will cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs, in line with the travel policy which will be shared with you. Please ensure you will be available to attend in person - the in person assessment is likely to take place early February 2026

• Accommodation - once confirmed, where you need or decide to move closer to your location, you are responsible for organising and funding this accommodation.

Adjustments

We are keen to make our selection process accessible to all. If you require any adjustments, to any stage of the selection process, please mention this in the allocated section on your initial application form. Someone will then be in touch to discuss or confirm the adjustments as appropriate for you. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss adjustments before applying, please get in touch:

T: [phone]

E: [e-mail]

Travel Requirement

Up to 50% travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp's recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.