Future talent scholars 2026 - UK in Sunbury

About bp

We are an integrated energy company with a simple purpose: to deliver energy to the world, today and tomorrow. We bring together expertise, technology, and people to help meet global energy needs with scale, reliability, and care. At bp, we believe our greatest strength lies not just in what we do, but in what we stand for. Our beliefs are rooted in what matters most: keeping each other safe, speaking up when something doesn't feel right, acting with integrity, showing care for others, and working as one team. These aren't just statements; they shape how we show up for each other, our partners, and the world around us. They're how we stay grounded as we look ahead. Because taking bp to the next level isn't just about what we achieve, it's about how we get there. Living our beliefs gives us the energy and direction to deliver on our purpose and ambition.

Future talent scholars experience at bp

At bp, inclusion is for everyone. We work hard to foster and maintain safe and inclusive workplaces. We want our people, and those who work with us, to have the opportunity to perform at their best no matter who they are, where they come from, or whatever their background may be. Social mobility is about opening doors for everyone. Join us on this paid opportunity (including travel and accommodation) to connect with industry leaders and build a network that will help you achieve your goals. Open to undergraduates from a lower socio-economic background from any discipline, you'll spend time networking and hearing from inspirational leaders. Join us for professional skills workshops, networking, and learning from a variety of leaders from across our business. By the end of the programme, you'll have a sense of how we work and the global challenges we're finding answers to. You'll also discover the culture of bp, our diverse range of roles, and explore an area of your choice through a shadow day. You will also get an opportunity to hear from our graduates about their roles and participate in workshops to help you improve your skills. Participation offers a fast-track to technical interview for any of our internship opportunities the following year (eligibility criteria will apply). Apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding career at bp.

What to expect

Our Future talent scholars programme is a stepping stone to a future filled with possibilities. You'll be part of a community that not only champions innovation, collaboration, and personal development but also supports professional growth for all, regardless of background. This immersive experience is your gateway to discovering a career in the energy sector, where you'll gain firsthand insights about bp's culture and learn about our diverse range of roles. Following participation at the in-person week, you'll take part in a series of engagement events all designed to be a launchpad to our internships. Complete the programme, and you'll be rewarded with £3,000 to help you through your university studies.

• Inspiring connections: Spend time networking with leaders and peers who are as passionate as you are about empowering everyone to thrive in their careers, regardless of background.
• Empowering insights: Gain invaluable insights from accomplished professionals who have excelled in their careers, helping to shape your own future success.
• Graduate stories: Hear directly from recent graduates about their career journeys and experiences at bp.
• Shadowing opportunity: Spend a day shadowing a current graduate in an area of your choice and learn about their daily responsibilities and experiences.
• Career advancement: Participation at the Future talent scholars programme offers a fast-track opportunity to technical interviews for our internship programmes for the following year (eligibility criteria apply).

Please note, some opportunities, such as those in Supply, trading & shipping may be subject to additional testing to determine eligibility.

Eligibility

This programme is open to first year (or second year if studying a four-year course) undergraduate students who come from a lower socio-economic background and are passionate about learning more about opportunities to be part of the energy industry of the future. To apply, you must have:

• Your normal place of residence must be in the UK.
• Been eligible for UK Government funded Free School Meals.
• Or have at least two of the following apply to you:

• You attended a UK state school or college.
• You were the first generation in your family to attend University.
• The occupation of the main household earner when you were aged 14 was one of the following:

• Technical and craft occupations such as: motor mechanic, plumber, printer, electrician, gardener, train driver.
• Routine, semi-routine manual and service occupations such as: postal worker, machine operative, security guard, caretaker, farm worker, catering assistant, sales assistant, HGV driver, cleaner, porter, packer, labourer, waiter/waitress, bar staff.
• Long-term unemployed (claimed Jobseekers Allowance or earlier unemployment benefit for more than a year).

Location

The in-person elements of this programme will take place at the following UK office: bp Sunbury-ICBT (International Centre for Business & Technology), Chertsey Road, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7LN. Other activities will be virtual, with potential shadow days at other UK locations, which could include Canary Wharf and Pangbourne.

Start & end dates

7th-10th July 2026 in person. Virtual engagement events with dates TBC.

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. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed subject to our policy (policy will be shared if you are invited to attend the programme).

Adjustments

We are keen to make our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any adjustments/accommodations, to any stage of the recruitment 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/accommodations as appropriate for you. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss adjustments before applying, please get in touch: T: +44 1635 584149 E:

Attendance allowance £3000 for attendance at the 4-day in-person event, plus participation at ongoing engagement events throughout the year.

Travel Requirement: No travel is expected with this role.

Relocation Assistance: This role is not eligible for relocation.

Remote Type: This position is a hybrid of office/remote working.