29 September 2026 · 4 min read
Clarksons Global Trainee Broker Programme: how it works and how to apply
The two year entry route into shipbroking at the world's largest shipbroker, with the programme structure, the four stage selection process and what Clarksons does not publish.
Shipbroking is one of the few commercial shore careers where a seagoing background is a straightforward advantage. You already understand cargo, vessels, ports and what can go wrong with all three. What you usually lack is the commercial side, and a structured trainee programme is the cleanest way to acquire it.
Clarksons runs the best known one. Here is what it involves, taken from the company's own early careers material rather than from forum speculation.
Who you would be joining
| Founded | 1852 in London, by Horace Anderton Clarkson |
| Listing | London Stock Exchange, FTSE 250, ticker CKN |
| Footprint | More than 60 offices across over 20 countries |
| Divisions | Broking, Financial, Support, Research |
| People | Over 2,100 specialists |
| Market position | Widely regarded as the leading shipbroker, with roughly a quarter of the global market |
The company began as a sailing ship brokerage and moved into steamship chartering in the 1860s. Offices include London, New York, Singapore, Dubai, Tokyo and Oslo.
How the programme is structured
It runs over two years, starting with an initial one year contract that is reviewed before trainees are considered for year two.
Year one
A full induction week at Clarksons headquarters in London with your global cohort, then rotations through different broking divisions within the office you are based in, so you see several of the key markets rather than one.
Year two
You are assigned to one of the divisions you rotated through. There may also be an international secondment at one of the global offices, subject to business needs.
After year two, trainees continue their career with Clarksons. The programme is designed as an entry pathway into a long term broking career, not a fixed term internship that ends with a handshake.
What the programme includes
- Induction alongside your cohort before you start the role itself.
- Hands on learning across broking divisions, working directly with senior brokers.
- Access to Clarksons research tools and technology, with scope to work on business projects and attend industry events.
- The possibility of an international secondment from year two.
- A competitive salary with a full benefits package covering financial, health and wellbeing needs.
- Volunteering and fundraising opportunities, and cohort social events across the year.
Who can apply
This is the part officers get wrong most often. Clarksons states there are no set educational requirements and that previous experience is not essential. They are looking for people early in their career who want to build a future in broking, from any background, who share an interest in shipping and commodities and bring curiosity, commercial awareness and strong interpersonal skills.
School leavers, graduates and career changers are all explicitly welcome. If you have sailed, you are not an unusual applicant, you are an applicant with relevant context most of the cohort will not have.
The four stage selection process
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply online | Through the Clarksons careers site |
| 2. Online recorded assessment | Focused on your motivations and your interest in broking |
| 3. First interview | With the talent acquisition team |
| 4. Assessment centre | In person, at the office location you are being considered for |
Clarksons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religious belief, socio-economic background, disability or sexual orientation. Adjustments to the application or interview stages can be requested at [email protected].
Answers to the questions people actually ask
When does it start?
The initial one year contract usually starts in September or October, with the exact date confirmed each year.
Can I choose my rotations?
You can state preferences in your application or tell the recruitment team, but they cannot be guaranteed. Rotations are based on business requirements at the time.
Is it paid?
Yes, with a competitive salary plus benefits. Clarksons does not publish the figure, and I am not going to invent one. If a site quotes you an exact trainee salary, ask yourself where they got it.
Do I need a degree or shipping experience?
No to both, provided you can show genuine interest in shipping, commercial thinking and strong communication skills.
How to apply
Applications go through clarksons.com/careers. Programme enquiries go to [email protected]. It is also worth following Clarksons Global on LinkedIn, because cohort openings are announced there.
One piece of advice on the recorded assessment, since it is the stage that filters hardest. They are testing motivation, so a specific answer about why broking, built on something you have actually seen from the ship's side, will land better than a general statement about a passion for the maritime industry.
Planning your own move ashore?
Bring your CoC, sea time and budget to a consultation call, or send an enquiry and we'll reply as soon as we can.