Engineering Design Technician Apprentice Review
at Transport for London
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Architecture, Engineering, Graphic Design, Product Design
London
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I create and update both drawings (which are printed out and used by engineers) and design models which become part of bigger projects. I use CAD software like Bentley Microstation and AutoCad daily. Updating drawings often requires me to search through old files do some detective work to figure out what the correct drawing should look like. I work closely with engineers across multiple disciplines; I'm currently working with the Fire, Communications, and signalling teams.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy the work that I'm doing. It has a good mix of collaboration with other colleagues and more focused work. There is also lots of opportunities to get involved with things outside of my scheme, like sustainability groups and other network groups, as well as unique site visits to control centres and other interesting places.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I am constantly learning new things or honing my skills. I have learnt how to do 2D and 3D CAD, how to manage workflows, research skills and interpersonal skills. At college I am doing electrical engineering and maths as well as component modelling and workplace health and safety.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The course has a clear structure of placements where you spend time in different teams. The scheme sponsors are open to adapting the structure if needed, for example, letting you spend longer in a certain placement if you feel like you are still learning something valuable. We are also encouraged to make our own opportunities and spend short periods of time helping out adjacent departments.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We have several people supporting us; two scheme sponsors who organise the overall program, a line manager that we report to over the entire 3 1/2 years, a placement manager who takes responsibility for us while on their team, former apprentices to chat to, and a development manager who meets with us regularly and can step in to help if we are having any issues at work or at college. There is also a mentorship scheme where we can chat with senior people in the business and get careers advice.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We have an assessor who meets with us every few months and the college tutors are helpful and willing to give feedback if needed. They are also good with setting up additional learning support if needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The CAD work we do there is good practice for our job. Some of the other subjects are more general and less related to the work we do but are likely to become important further down the line.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are loads of sports groups, book club, networking events happening every week, social events and meet-ups.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I'm genuinely having a great time and being given opportunities I never thought I'd have.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?
Be open and collaborative during the application process. They are more interested in finding people with good interpersonal skills and values that match TfL's than people who already have lots of experience or qualifications (not that having these is a bad thing).
