Cadets
Start your career at sea as a Cadet
Cunard and sister-brand P&O Cruises are two of the most iconic British cruise brands, brought to life by colleagues at Carnival UK.
Every year we help hundreds of people start their career at sea through a number of exciting cadetship training programmes.
If you’re in school, college or university and starting to think about your future, Carnival UK can offer you all the adventure and opportunity you’ve been looking for.
It’s an exciting way to meet new people, pick up fantastic skills, start your seafaring career and, most importantly, gain experiences that’ll stay with you for a lifetime.
When you join as a Cadet, you’ll take part in all kinds of activities, and you’ll also have the opportunity to travel, gain top qualifications, and get paid for it too. We’ll even pay your tuition fees to help you stay debt-free while you train with us.
So, whether you’re looking for a foundation degree, a full-time career, or just want to meet new people and see some of the world, you’ll find the all the opportunities you need at Carnival UK.
Choose your Cadet career
NEW! Engineer Graduate Cadetship
If you have an engineering qualification (either mechanical or electrical) you can fast-tack your Engineering Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency.
Engineer Graduate Cadetship programme available at South Shields Marine School and Warsash Maritime Academy.
Engineering Cadet
We support Cadetships on both the HND (High National Diploma), Foundation Degree and the Scottish Diploma.
As a Engineer Cadet, you will learn about the running and maintenance of the ship’s engine room and all of its mechanical 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.
Deck Cadet
We support Cadetships on both the HND (High National Diploma), Foundation Degree and the Scottish Diploma.
As a Deck Officer Cadet, you’ll learn how to navigate by both traditional and modern means, supervise the crew at a variety of tasks, and ensure the overall safe operation of the ship.
Electro-Technical Cadet
This MNTB programme leads to the award of: A Foundation Degree and MCA UK Certificate of Competency. We also support a HND (High National Diploma) programme for Electro-Technical Cadetships.
As an Electro-Technical Cadet you will learn about the running and maintenance of the ship’s electro-technical equipment. That includes everything related to the electrical generating plant, electronic/automated control systems, bridge navigational equipment and entertainment systems.
Just search ‘Cadet’ in the ‘What’ box to see all Cadetship opportunities.
Study at any of these maritime colleges
South Tyneside College, South Shields
South Tyneside College (South Shields Marine School) offers programmes across the whole spectrum of marine education and nautical sciences, including navigation, and marine engineering and electrical engineering.
Glasgow College of Nautical Studies
Glasgow College of Nautical Studies is situated in the heart of Glasgow on the south bank of the River Clyde. It’s famous School of Marine and Mechanical Engineering is dedicated to giving you the highest quality education and training available.
Fleetwood Nautical College, Fleetwood
Fleetwood Nautical College is one of the top Nautical colleges in the country. That’s why it’s been designated as a National Beacon of Excellence and was recently re-accredited for the Charter Mark in recognition of the excellent service it provides.
Warsash Maritime Academy, Southampton
Part of Southampton Solent University, Warsash Maritime Academy provides internationally recognised certification programmes for both Deck and Engineer Officers from Cadet level to Master (Captain) and Chief Engineer.
Latest Cadet news
Emily Davies, Cadet
Originally from Cardiff, Wales, Emily is now on board Queen Mary 2, completing her first sea phase as a Carnival UK Cadet. Why did you choose […]New Graduate Cadet programme
Did you know we help hundreds of people each year start their career at sea though our in-house Cadet programme? And we’re about to welcome even […]