Vehicles Engineering Apprenticeship

Transport for London

London, SE1 8JZ

Closes in 12 days (Friday 7 March)

Posted on 19 February 2025


Summary

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. We have 800 trains, manage the buses contracts. Our assets range from computer driven to old mechanical systems. Introducing new technology means we need a diverse workforce to support us.

Training course
Rail engineering advanced technician (level 4)
Hours
Working shifts to be confirmed. Typically, you will be required to attend college for five weeks in weekly blocks. London location (there might be some hybrid working involved depending on a placement).

35 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 8 September

Duration

4 years

Positions available

4

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

As an apprentice, your 4-year development programme will be made up of up to 15 placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:

Year 1

Placement 1 - Rolling Stock Depot – 4-6 months. 
Maintenance improvements, Modifications and Service Delivery.

Placement 2 – Rolling Stock Engineering Support - 4-6 months.
Engineering improvement, incident response, technical support.

Year 2

Placement 1 - Docklands Light Railway – 2-4 months. 
New train introduction, Contract Management.

Placement 2 – Response team – 2-4 months. 
Providing engineering response to asset incidents and failures.

Placement 2 - Technical Services - 2-4 months.
Train Testing, Environmental Testing, Audio Visual Testing.

There is flexibility for apprentices to tailor their scheme. This can be agreed between you and your scheme sponsor - some placements are compulsory, and some are optional. This opportunity usually arises in Years 3 & 4.

Where you’ll work

197 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8JZ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

LONDON UNDERGROUND LIMITED

Your training course

Rail engineering advanced technician (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Your training plan

Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences and placements.  

We’ll also support your professional development through a combination of classroom-led training courses, online training courses, mentoring opportunities, and structured networking opportunities. 

More training information

You will receive one-to-one support throughout the programme from your scheme sponsor and your Line Manager. You’ll also be connected to a ‘buddy’ who will be a more experienced apprentice from the scheme.

You must be 18 years of age before the 8th of September 2025 to be eligible for this scheme.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English or English Language (grade A*-C or Grade D and above)
  • Maths (grade A*-C or Grade D and above)

A Level in:

  • x 2 in any subject (grade A*-D or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Team working
  • Innovative
  • Adaptable

Other requirements

Due to the health and safety requirements of this role we are unable to employ apprentices under 18 on this scheme

About this company

At TfL, our work goes beyond transport. We keep London moving – day in, day out. We’re about building stronger connections, and helping people do more of what they love. From sustainable futures to post-pandemic economic recovery, we’re constantly breaking new ground, and taking innovation to new heights. For our people, this is more than just a job. Our apprentices are pioneers, frontrunners, and mentors. And, with a culture built on support and flexibility that puts wellbeing first.

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household. Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays. Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into several different areas within our team depending on your personal aspirations and business need, such as a rolling stock/trams engineer, working within the design areas, reliability engineering or train testing. Progression to a Senior Engineer would normally be expected within a 5 – 10-year timeframe.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Transport for London

The recruitment team

earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk

0203 005 1680

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000304709.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Friday 7 March)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application. Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from April until June, please note that many roles only have one assessment day, and we are unable to guarantee additional dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).