Shipping Cadet - Deck - UK (Sunbury-On-Thames)

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

Job summary

A leading global energy company in the UK seeks candidates for a training program to become a fully trained officer on LNG carriers. This program offers significant hands-on learning experiences with responsibilities that include navigating the ship, overseeing cargo operations, and handling the ship's legal and commercial business. Applicants should have 56 UCAS points, necessary GCSEs, and a resilience to challenging environments. The role includes flexibility in working hours and requires an adventurous spirit.

Benefits

Generous allowance starting at £11,000 per year

Reimbursement for exam and course fees

Opportunity for a foundation degree or diploma in marine operations

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old by 1 September 2026.
• Applicants’ normal place of residency must be in the UK.
• Will need to pass an industry-standard medical examination and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Learn to navigate the ship safely and oversee mooring operations.
• Shadow senior crew and maintain equipment.
• Participate in cargo loading/unloading and watch-keeping.

Skills

Resilience

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Adaptability to challenging environments

Education

56 UCAS points

4 GCSEs at grade B/6 or above including Maths, Physical Science, and English

Successful completion of a maritime/engineering HNC or HND

Job description

Location: Sunbury‑On‑Thames, London, South East, UK. Entity: Supply, Trading & Shipping. Job Family Group: Business Support Group, Shipping Group.

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. 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 a net zero company by 2050 or sooner.

About bp shipping cadets

Picture yourself cruising the oceans on a multi‑million‑dollar tanker, transporting commodities all over the world. Within a three‑year adventure‑filled program you could become a fully trained officer with internationally recognised qualifications. 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

You will be a key part of the crew, learning to navigate the ship safely, load and unload cargo, handle the ship’s legal and commercial business, and oversee mooring operations. Physical tasks include chipping rust off metalwork and bridge/cargo watch‑keeping (monitoring equipment and looking out for other vessels). You will shadow senior crew, help monitor cargo operations, maintain equipment, plan the ship’s passage, and learn all about anchoring and cargo operations. Your time will be divided between nautical college and on board an LNG carrier. Note: this opportunity is not based at the bp Sunbury office. It involves day/night shift work, so you need to be flexible in working hours. The role requires a driven, adventurous, can‑do attitude, resilience to challenging environments, an aptitude for learning, respectfulness, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Minimum Entry Level Requirements

• 56 UCAS points (or equivalent) and 4 GCSEs at grade B/6 (or above) must include Mathematics, a Physical Science, and English.
• 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 Mathematics, Science and English language.
• Must be 18 years old by 1 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 you will gain after completion of the programme

Upon completion you will have a UK foundation degree or college diploma in marine operations and a deck officer unlimited certificate of competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), allowing 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 becoming a trained officer, you can progress to navigating officer, chief officer or even captain.

Other Information

Apply to only 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 are available to attend the in‑person assessment, likely to take place early February 2026. Once confirmed, you are responsible for organising and funding accommodation if you need to move closer to your location.

Adjustments: We are keen to make our selection process accessible to all. If you require any adjustments at 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].

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.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Legal Disclaimer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, 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 on 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.