Trainee Cargo Inspector in Bristol

We are SGS – the world\’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

SGS’s Natural Resources business line powers the mining, energy, and resource sectors with expert testing, inspection, and certification. From exploration to trade, SGS helps clients boost efficiency, stay compliant, and reduce risk—backed by cutting-edge labs, digital tools, and a global network.

• Job title: Trainee Cargo Inspector
• Job Type: Permanent
• Salary: £30,476,including company vehicle
• Hours: Annualisedhours contract- Average 48 hours per week
• Industry: Oil, Gas and Chemicals

Job Description

Are you looking to start a career in the oil and gas industry, with full training and support provided? This trainee role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills as an Inspector with SGS.

As a Trainee Cargo Inspector, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the integrity of shipments. You’ll learn how to perform sampling of cargo, take measurements, and complete calculations for accurate reporting to clients. Over time, you’ll gain the expertise to provide independent assessments of the quantity and quality of materials including Crude Oil, Petroleum Products, Petrochemicals, and Petroleum Gases.

What you’ll be doing:

• Learning to follow standard practices for measurement activities including visual observations, volumetric/temperature checks, and representative sampling of petrochemical products
• Recording and reporting results to determine accurate load/discharge/transfer quantities in compliance with industry practices
• Working as part of a 24/7 operational team, including nights and weekends, to ensure all operations are covered effectively
• Communicating and coordinating with colleagues, clients, and third parties regarding operations and potential impacts on work execution

What to expect: The role can be physically demanding and may involve:

• Working at heights
• Entering confined spacesWorking on vessels at sea

SGS will provide full training, coaching, and mentoring, along with the correct equipment and PPE to ensure you can perform safely and confidently.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for:

• Physical resilience and adaptability – comfortable with outdoor, hands‑on work
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including nights and weekends, as part of a 24/7 team
• A willingness to learn and develop a career in the oil and gas industry (no prior inspection experience required)
• Good communication skills (oral and written)
• A full valid UK driving licence

Additional Information

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
• Private medical cover (subject to eligibility criteria)
• Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
• Length of Service Awards
• An additional day off for your birthday
• Discounted Gym Membership

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

APPLY NOW for full consideration, if you are selected for an interview, or further consideration, we will be in touch with you directly.