Guide to Transport for London (TFL) Apprenticeships
Did you know the London Underground, more commonly known as the Tube, has over 270 stations covering over 400km? Well, now you do.
TfL or Transport for London owns all of the tubes, red buses, overground, black cabs, trams and more that you see in London, meaning TfL employees provide a service to millions of people every single day. As expected, this means that they have tons of employees, around 28,000 if we are putting a number on it.
Sounds like something you’d want to be part of? An apprenticeship is your one-way ticket to a successful career with TfL. These schemes are a fantastic way of gaining experience and professional qualifications once you’ve left school, all whilst being paid.
Read on to find out all about TfL apprenticeships, the routes they offer and how you can join them.
What kind of apprenticeships are available?
TFL apprenticeships fall into three industries: business, engineering and technology.
They offer a variety of apprenticeships from Level 2 through to Level 6. Their starting salary depends on the level of apprenticeship you’re applying for:
Level 2 & 3 - £25,000
Level 4 - £26,500
Level 5 - £27,500
Degree Apprenticeships - £29,000
Let’s explore all your options:
Business Apprenticeships
Working on the business side of TfL requires apprentices who are natural networkers, proactive problem-solvers and ludicrously good leaders.
One business apprenticeship offered is within their finance department:
Level 4 (Higher Apprenticeship) in Finance
Duration: 2 years
Salary: £26,500
To get onto this apprenticeship, you will need to:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a minimum of 5 9-4 grades at GCSE level, including Maths and English.
At least 2 A-levels in any subject, they must be at least A*-D grades or equivalent.
Not found what you’re looking for? Don’t worry! There are more business apprenticeships for TfL. For more information, click here.
Engineering Apprenticeships
For over 150 years, TfL engineers have been working to keep London going through the good times and the hard. TfL is looking for inquisitive, hands-on and creative individuals who aren’t afraid of working under pressure.
Level 3 - London Underground Engineering
Duration: 3 years
Salary: From £25,000
As an engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of the development of technological advancements. You can choose which area you’d like to apply for. These are the ones available:
Track
Power
Lifts and Escalators
Signals
Fleet
To get onto this apprenticeship, you will need to:
Be at least 17 years old
Have a minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE level, including Maths and English.
Degree Apprenticeship - Civil Engineering
Duration: 5 years
Salary: £29,000
Civil engineers are crucial to London’s transport system. They keep the city moving. Apprentices in this area look after the thousands of bridges and hundreds of miles of tunnels and roads.
To qualify for this apprenticeship, you’ll need:
A minimum of 5 GCSE passes, including passes in Maths and English.
3 A-levels (A*-C or equivalent), including Maths and a Science subject
Be over 18 years old.
Don’t think this is for you? Fair enough! There are more engineering apprenticeships for TfL. You can find them here.
This programme is very interesting as there are many different jobs to be done and can understand how the network operates as well as knowing what differences you are making to the company and commuters journey. The programme is also very beneficial as it makes you think and you can learn new skills that can be used outside of work London Underground Apprentice, Transport for London
Technology Apprenticeships
Do you crave a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating career? Join a TfL technology apprenticeship! Apprentices work within the software teams, assisting them in updating and creating websites, creating apps AND writing professional code!
Level 4 (Higher) - Software Development
Duration: 2 years
Salary: £26,500
If you apply for this scheme, you’ll be trained to write high-quality code using a variety of programming languages. At the same time, you’ll be getting invaluable experience with using high-tech and innovative software.
To get onto this apprenticeship, you will need to be:
At least 18 years old
Have a minimum of 5 9-4 grades at GCSE level, including Maths and English
At least 2 A Levels in any subject but they must be at least A*-D grades or equivalent.
Level 4 (Higher) - Business Analysis
Duration: 18 months
Salary: : £26,500
In this role, you’ll be constantly working on new and exciting projects for the TfL. You need to be a motivated individual with fresh ideas - someone who is confident to speak up when a light bulb moment hits them.
On the job, you’ll learn practical skills such as product development, software development, data analysis and user testing. You’ll be customer-focused, inspiring and influencing the future of London.
To get onto this apprenticeship, you will need to:
Be at least 18 years old
Have a minimum of 5 9-4 grades at GCSE level, including Maths and English
At least 2 A Levels in any subject but they must be at least A*-D grades or equivalent.
For the latest information on technology apprenticeships for TfL, click here!
Do TfL apprentices get free travel?
Yes! TfL apprentices get free travel on trains and buses within the TfL network, alongside a nominated household member.
Not only this, you will get a 75% discount on National Rail Season Tickets.
What are the benefits of doing an apprenticeship for TfL?
Working for TfL has SO many more benefits. Bear in mind that the perks and rewards will depend on your role and which area of the business you work in, but here are a few you can expect as a TfL apprentice…
A minimum of 29 days of annual leave.
Networking opportunities.
Cycle-to-work programme.
Tax-efficient childcare payments.
Retail, health, leisure and travel offers.
These perks and benefits are added on top of the giant benefits you’ll enjoy as an apprentice.
You’ll have a full-time job, get career-launching qualifications AND receive a great salary, all at the same time.
l enjoy the thought that’s gone into the process. There were keep warm events in the summer before everyone starts in September where I got to meet apprentices across the business and ease nerves. As an apprentice you have your team, your peers in your cohort, apprentices from other cohort and other teams and also a sponsor whose role is to guide and support you. I love the work life balance and the expanse of opportunity for those looking to step out of their comfort zones Recruitment Resourcer, Transport for London
How do I apply for a TfL apprenticeship?
First, you need to find the TfL job you want to apply for.
For TfL, there are only three steps to apply for their apprenticeship schemes, let’s look into each one
Step 1: the online application
This is where you will be asked about some personal details like your education and any work experience. You will also need to select which apprenticeship you will be applying for.
Here are our top tips and tricks for acing this stage:
Read the entire form before starting.
Highlight the required skills from the job description in your answers.
Take your time! Allow 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete the form.
Draft responses in Word/Google Docs, spell-check and then paste them into the form. Save progress!
Be honest, only apply if you have the skills.
Avoid generic answers; employers spot clichés.
Use professional language throughout.
Include unpaid, voluntary, or charity work if no formal experience.
Review your application before submitting it
Step 2: online tests
If you’ve made it through the online application, you will be moved on to the online tests.
TfL uses strength-based assessments to identify if you align with their values. They are split into two stages
Stage one will focus on giving you hypothetical scenarios that ask you to rank in order of your preferred response. Stage two will present you with realistic scenarios that you may experience during your programme. You will be asked to either respond through a video recording or rank possible responses in your preferred order.
Step 3: assessment centre
TfL’s final stage is an assessment centre. Usually they consist of an interview, presentation or group task, but you will be told this in advance.
You need to make sure you prepare for an apprenticeship assessment centre, so follow our guide for the best chance of success.
Make sure to check out TfL’s guide on how to apply for an apprenticeship as well for more information.
Ready to get started? Find a TfL Apprenticeship now!
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