Shipping Cadet - Engineer - UK

bp; Sunbury-on-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global energy company is offering a unique opportunity for aspiring Marine Engineering Cadets based in the UK. This role combines comprehensive training at maritime college with hands-on experience at sea, where you'll learn to maintain and operate complex machinery. Ideal candidates should have strong foundations in Mathematics, Science, and English. The program provides a competitive allowance, and upon completion, you'll gain essential qualifications needed for a successful career in marine engineering.

Benefits

Generous course allowance

Comprehensive training program

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old by 1st September 2026.
• Applicants must pass a medical examination and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Split time between maritime college and sea training.
• Learn maintenance of ship's engines and equipment.
• Ensure safety of all staff in the engine room.

Skills

Mathematics

Physical Science

English

Analytical methods

Safety management

Education

56 UCAS points (or equivalent) and 4 GCSE's at grade B / 6

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

Hot and frenetic, the engine room is the beating heart of any ship. Our training will teach you about the ship's main engines and how to run and maintain the mechanical equipment on board.

You will split your time between maritime college and sea. At college you will learn about workshop skills, engineering science, analytical methods, pneumatics and hydraulics, instrumentation & control principles, marine electrical systems, diesel propulsion and more.

When at sea you will work day shifts and sometimes support watch keeping in the engine room. It means handling anything from stripping an engine and inspecting components, to following the path of water, oil or steam through the ship. You will be dealing with large machinery, so safety is critical. As an officer, you will also be in charge of the safety of all staff in the engine room.

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

• Please note : this opportunity will not be based at the bp Sunbury office

Minimum Entry Level Requirements

• 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 4 / grade 'C' 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 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 trained and qualified, you will have a UK foundation degree or college diploma in marine engineering and an engineer watch keeping officer certificate of competency from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

Depending on your academic qualifications you may have the opportunity to complete a BSc (Hons) in Marine Engineering.

Your growth is important to us. After all, it's our team's dedication and expertise that help us achieve and develop. You will find a culture where learning's encouraged, with all manner of training available. Becoming a trained officer is only the start. From here, once you qualify as a Engineering Officer, you can pursue career opportunities to progress up the ranks to a Gas Engineer, 2nd Engineer and even Chief Engineer.

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 - 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 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.