Job Description - Sustainability Graduate Scheme
Sustainability Graduate Scheme
Organisation - HR Director
Job - Sustainability
Position Type - Full Time
Thank you for your interest in applying for this TfL Graduate Scheme.
We’d like to remind all applicants that they must ensure they are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure eligibility before applying.
This application will also contain a series of questions to establish eligibility. It is important that great care is taken in reading and answering these questions as no changes will be made to the application after submission.
Please Note: Only one application for any Graduate scheme per year is allowed. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.
TfL Sustainability Graduate Scheme – Striving for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable London
Quote
“If you want to have an impact, TfL has the scale and breadth for you to do so.”
Sam Longman, TfL Head of Sustainability and Corporate Environment.
Fun Fact
TfL is the biggest user of electricity in London (over 1.5TWh per year) and one of the biggest users in the UK. TfL even has its own power station!
Salary
£31,000, rising to £32,250 in the second year.
Location
London
Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50% of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.
What TfL offers
TfL offers excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
- Free travel on the TfL network for the graduate and a nominee who lives in the same household
- Final salary pension scheme
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
- Minimum 30 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays
- Private healthcare discounted scheme
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
- Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more
Duration
2 years
Entry Requirements
TfL is seeking talented individuals across a range of disciplines and backgrounds. A minimum of a 2.2 degree in Sustainability, Environmental Management, Geography, Business Management, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Economics or Finance, Design or Architecture, Town or Development Planning, Project Management or similar is required.
Start Date
8th September 2025
Job Overview
The graduate will help TfL on its journey to zero carbon and to live up to TfL’s vision of being London’s strong green heartbeat. While keeping close links to TfL’s Sustainability & Corporate Environment team, the graduate could potentially work in any department within the organisation. The role will involve working to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of every decision TfL makes.
Sustainability
The climate and ecological crises are the defining challenges for humanity. London is part of the global effort to address these issues, and the mayor has committed to making London net zero-carbon by 2030. TfL must keep London moving while making the city as safe, sustainable, and inclusive as possible in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
What will the graduate be doing?
As part of the two-year development programme, the graduate will undertake a minimum of four different placements within TfL. These placements aim to equip the graduate with the range of skills and experience necessary for a successful career.
The graduate will gain experience across different roles and in various departments. The journeys of the five 2024 Sustainability Graduates are currently underway with 6-month placements in:
- Responsible Procurement (example activities: reducing supply chain emissions and prioritising the circular economy)
- Facilities Management (example activities: energy management in buildings)
- Highways Assets (example activities: roll-out of wildflower verges)
- Sustainability & Corporate Environment (example activities: developing and delivering knowledge programmes)
- Places for London (example activities: working with property managers to help improve environmental and social aspects of the London property market)
As part of gaining an understanding of TfL’s core work, the scheme includes up to a week of shifts working with Customer Service Assistants in a centrally located London Underground station.
The graduate's first placement will be assigned, but thereafter there will be some flexibility to tailor placements for personal career development.
Where can this career take the graduate?
This scheme focuses on creating sustainability leaders who can influence outcomes in roles including, but not limited to:
- Environmental Management
- Responsible Procurement
- Asset Operations and Strategy
- Project and Business Management
- Transport, Policy and Planning
- Corporate Communications
- Finance (including sustainability financial disclosures, climate budgeting)
- Governance and Legal Compliance
What training and support will the graduate get?
TfL’s award-winning teams will support the graduate’s ongoing development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. The graduate will also receive professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.
The graduate will also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from:
- Placement Manager: Responsible for managing day-to-day activities and supporting development
- Scheme Sponsor: A manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
- Buddy: Usually a graduate who provides support and ensures the graduate feels welcomed in the organisation
What qualifications will the graduate gain?
Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) Associate membership.
What does TfL look for?
TfL’s core values are extremely important, and the organisation desires candidates who are:
- Caring about colleagues, customers, and their work
- Open to new ideas and working together
- Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate
Application Process
The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments, which need to be completed within an allocated time frame. It is highly recommended that applicants read through this document thoroughly to familiarise themselves with the process.
Please click on the link describing each stage of the Graduate Application Process.
If the applicant already holds qualification certificates, they should upload copies to their application. If they are due to sit final exams or need to replace certificates, these can be provided at a later stage.
Inclusive Recruitment Process
TfL operates a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for disabled candidates. TfL is a Disability Confident employer and offers guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme when the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge, and experience have been met.
TfL’s candidate experience continues to be underpinned by a fair and robust reasonable adjustments process, in collaboration with Occupational Health colleagues and other expert organisations.
Contact TfL
The recruitment team can be contacted by:
- Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:30)
- Email: EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk
Please let TfL know if any reasonable adjustments are required.