Engineering Design Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship - London

Engineering Design Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship - London

Please note: This role may close soon depending on the level of interest so don’t miss out!

Shape the future of our Capital’s transport network – Become an Engineering Design Technician!

Salary: £27,029

What we offer?

• Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
• Discounted National Rail and Eurostar travel
• Defined pension contribution scheme
• Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays.
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more

Location:

London/Hybrid

Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4 week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

Duration: 42 months

Entry requirements:

• A minimum of 2 GCSE’s (or equivalent) Grade 4–9 (A*-C), including English and Maths. Qualification in IT and/or Science is desirable.
• You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have already studied content from the qualification for this scheme.
• Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
• You must be a minimum of 18 years of age before the start date to be eligible for this scheme.

Proposed start date: 7th September 2026

Job overview

Are you ready to make a real difference, helping to shape the future of one of the world's most iconic cities? Transport for London is at the heart of the Capital's transport network, and our CAD engineers play a vital role in designing its future.

We're looking for the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers to join our Apprenticeship Scheme. This is your opportunity to be part of a team that transforms London's transport network, improves millions of journeys every day, and builds a greener, more connected city.

As a CAD (Computer Aided Design) Apprentice, you'll have the unique chance to work with and learn from some of the world's leading engineers. Joining our diverse engineering community, you'll develop skills, gain hands-on experience on major infrastructure projects, and receive support towards professional qualifications.

Our CAD engineers work on some of the most complex and innovative projects in the UK; one day you might be contributing to the design of new trains for the Piccadilly Line Upgrade, and the next you might be drafting plans for a new road link on the Silvertown Tunnel project. We span all transport modes, from London Underground to Buses, DLR, and Highways & Streets. From upgrading infrastructure to exploring emerging technologies, you'll take the first steps on an incredible journey where you can grow, learn, and make a lasting impact on London.

What will I be doing?

As a CAD Apprentice, you’ll be joining TfL Central Engineering’s Business & Digital Team, where you will gain hands on experience with the London Underground and Surface Transport CAD Teams.

You will be using CAD software to create concept and detailed design models, plans, simulations and graphics for various infrastructure projects around London, working closely with engineers and project teams to bring concepts to life.

Working within Engineering Services, you’ll be a part of major projects like the Piccadilly Line Upgrade or the Bakerloo Line Extension, Cycle Superhighway improvements, or the development of the design of the iconic Oxford Street, solving complex problems and implementing innovative solutions.

You'll receive mentorship from industry leaders, gain valuable practical experience, and develop a strong foundation in engineering principles.

As we’re a multidisciplinary team, you’ll also complete a number of placements whist on the scheme, gaining skills, knowledge and experience in:

• Surveying
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Innovations
• Civil Engineering
• Traffic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering

(Subject to availability of placements during your apprenticeship)

We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. As well as gaining multidisciplinary engineering experience, we want to offer the flexibility for apprentices to specialise their engineering knowledge. If there is an area of engineering in TfL that you’re passionate about, we can help you pursue this.

Sustainability

Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world. You’ll also be able to complete placements that help deliver our Green strategy and ensure TfL is a strong, green heartbeat for London.

Where can this career take me?

In this diverse and challenging apprenticeship, you'll work towards an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Design. Through a blend of on-the-job learning with leading professionals and experienced CAD modellers and engineers, you’ll hone valuable skills and gain extensive industry experience.

You’ll also benefit from additional training including:

• CAD software such as Bentley MicroStation, Open Buildings Designer, AutoCAD and Revit
• 2D & 3D Modelling
• Production of Engineering Drawings
• Building Information Modelling (BIM)

With the qualifications and skills you will gain, you'll be well-equipped to pursue advanced roles within the engineering and design sectors. Many apprentices progress into positions such as CAD Technicians, and with further career development potential into a Senior CAD Engineer role, contributing to major infrastructure projects that shape the city's future. The practical knowledge and professional network you'll build during your apprenticeship will also pave the way for further qualifications and specialisations, enhancing your expertise and broadening your career prospects. With TfL's commitment to innovation and excellence, this apprenticeship is a launching pad for a fulfilling and impactful career in engineering and design.

What qualifications will I get?

• Level 3 diploma in Engineering (specific discipline tbc)

What training and support will I get?

Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking. You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:

• Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
• Buddy: Usually an apprentice or graduate who gives support to you and ensure that you feel welcomed in the organisation

What do we look for?

• An inquisitive mind
• A creative approach to problem-solving
• A curiosity to understand the root cause of a problem
• A passion to work within a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of London

So, if you have a passion and enthusiasm for problem solving and a flair for creativity, then this is the apprenticeship scheme for you.

Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:

• Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
• Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

Application process

Our application system requires all applicants to upload a CV. Although CVs are not reviewed during the shortlisting process, we do use them to confirm that applicants meet the required grade eligibility criteria. You are welcome to upload a basic CV however, please ensure that the section detailing your qualifications is accurate and up to date. Please note we do not read cover letters.

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process. You will receive information and guidance around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.

Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete online assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests once the deadline passes. Assessment centres for apprentice roles will take place from March - May 2026, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee alternative dates. We are conducting assessment centres in-person and virtually (role dependent).

Our city. Made better by you.

TfL is a place that’s open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It’s a place where you can thrive and achieve. Where you’re encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.

Inclusive recruitment process

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria we set is achieving a pass mark in our first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.

Contact us

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Contact the recruitment team by

• Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)
• Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.