Carnival UK - Engineer Graduate Cadetship 2026

Carnival UK is the operating company for P&O Cruises & Cunard. We provide world class cruise holidays and take enormous pride from bringing to life two of the most iconic brands from Britain’s rich seafaring heritage. That legacy of elegance and style, of beautiful ships, inspiring leadership and guest-obsessed service excellence lives on today, as we evolve ourselves for tomorrow.

Working at Carnival UK/P&O Cruises/Cunard means being part of a tight-knit but truly global team made up of friendly, happy, caring people. Parts of our business are incredibly diverse, but we work hard every day to promote even greater inclusion, fresh ideas and different perspectives. Whatever our role or background, we share high standards, heartfelt values and a sense of belonging. We’re focused on wellbeing every day, as well as being supportive and compassionate when we need it most.

As a growing business we have a big focus on developing skills and continuous learning. From formal qualification to the life lessons of worldwide travel, we offer our people a broad range of personal and professional development opportunities. All of our roles give people the chance to stretch themselves and learn from colleagues with a wealth of experience. As our business grows, we want our people to grow too. So we’re determined to create opportunities for everyone to drive their development and define their own career path.

Carnival is expanding our cadetship offer and we are proud to offer the Engineer Graduate Cadetship programme. The post graduate route is designed for those with relevant Engineering qualifications and is a fast-track route to an Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of competency. If you have already completed an engineering qualification (either mechanical or electrical) and you have been thinking about your career. As an engineer officer graduate cadet, you will be able to put your engineering qualifications to practical use as well as learning about the running and maintenance of the ship’s engine room and all its mechanical/electrical equipment. You will need the ability to evaluate the problems arising in the complex high-tech world of a modern cruise ship, make prompt decisions and take effective corrective measures.

What we are looking for:

Carnival UK prides itself upon our greatest asset, our colleagues. If you have a thirst for teamwork, innovation, communicating, the sea, travel and exploration, then read on. We are looking for resilient, quick-thinking and positive individuals to start their career with us. We want to hear from you if you are excited about working as part of a team and have good communication skills. The environments you will be working in mean you will need to be someone who can stay calm under pressure and have the ability to work in a changing environment. You will need to be self-driven and motivated to learn as you progress through your cadetship and your career with Carnival UK. We will be looking for you to show a good knowledge of engineering and practical skills.

Before you apply please make sure you hold the following:

• Candidates must have completed a suitable engineering apprenticeship and/or be a qualified engineer.
• Candidates that may apply through the graduate cadetship will include: University Graduates or Higher National Diploma (HND) (preferably in Mechanical, Marine or Electrical Engineering or in an engineering subject that covers at least four of the following six subjects: Mathematics, Engineering Drawing, Applied Mechanics, Applied Heat, Electrotechnology and Naval Architecture).
• Suitable engineering apprenticeship (NVQ level 3 or above) holders.
• GCSE Grade 5-9 or equivalent.
• Hold an ENG1.

All graduate cadetships will require a Letter of Initial Assessment (LIA) issued by an approved Maritime Education Establishment. All Candidates must be UK or EEA citizens and be a resident in the UK for at least one year immediately prior to application and have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions.

Benefits to the graduate route include:

• Training with the world’s leading cruise company.
• Fast-track route.
• Complete in as little as 18 months.
• Various entry qualification options.
• Join at any time during the academic year.
• Enhanced salary.
• Fully-funded training.

Crew are recommended to be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations prior to joining a ship, if available.

Equality:

We are working hard to build a flexible and inclusive culture. As part of our culture difference is valued and our people can be themselves. We welcome applications from everyone because inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage & civil partnership and pregnancy & maternity.