Job Overview
Transport for London (TfL) spends billions of pounds annually operating and maintaining its extensive transport network. The Procurement & Commercial (P&C) function is responsible for:
- Planning, sourcing, and managing supplier contracts
- Ensuring UK and EU-compliant procurement processes
- Delivering value for money while maintaining quality and sustainability
P&C covers everything from:
- Cutting-edge technology and travel solutions
- Catering, cleaning, CCTV, and utilities procurement
- Train and highway maintenance, station upgrades, and underground line renewals
Sustainability at TfL
TfL is committed to sustainable and responsible procurement, ensuring its supply chain aligns with ethical and environmental principles. P&C leads initiatives on skills development, diversity, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability to support the Mayor of London’s vision for a better London.
What Will You Be Doing?
As an apprentice, you will complete a two-year development programme consisting of four placement rotations. This will provide practical experience across key procurement and commercial functions.
Your placements will expose you to procurement, contract management, supplier engagement, and financial efficiency strategies.
Example Placement Rotations:
Year 1
- Placement 1 – P&C Utilities (6 months)
Work with the Utilities Team to procure the electricity that powers the London Underground and Rail network.
Engage in Early Market Engagement, meeting with suppliers to secure the best deals for TfL.
- Placement 2 – P&C London Underground Fleet (6 months)
Procure specialist train parts (e.g., wheels, motors, and doors) to ensure uninterrupted service.
Prevent delays by securing essential fleet components.
Year 2
- Placement 3 – P&C IT (6 months)
Manage TfL’s Microsoft contract, ensuring 30,000 users have access to necessary systems.
Support the procurement of bus intelligence systems that track real-time bus arrivals.
- Placement 4 – P&C Capital Highways (6 months)
Contract management for major surface transport projects (e.g., Cycle Hire, Taxi & Private Hire, Woolwich Ferry).
Support procurement strategies for additional transport services.
You will be encouraged to gain experience across multiple P&C departments. Your scheme sponsor and leader will provide guidance on tailoring placements to match your interests and career aspirations.
Where Can This Career Take You?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could secure a role as a:
- Commercial Officer
- Assistant Commercial Manager
With experience, you could progress to:
- Commercial Manager
- Senior Commercial Manager
- Head of Commercial
- Commercial Director
- Professional Accreditation
Completion of the Level 4 Diploma makes you eligible for membership at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
A career in P&C is highly transferable, offering opportunities across both the public and private sectors.
What TfL Offers
Apprentices will enjoy excellent benefits and strong career progression opportunities, including:
- Free travel on the TfL network for you and one nominated person in the same household
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
- Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro-rata, depending on role), plus public and bank holidays
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work scheme
- Retail, health, leisure, and travel discounts
Entry Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold or be working towards:
- At least two A-Levels (Grades A-D) or an equivalent qualification*
- At least two GCSEs (Grade 4/C and above), including Maths and English
Applicants are not eligible if they already hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have previously studied this content.
Applicants must be 18 years old by September 2025 to be eligible.
What Training & Support Will You Get?
Qualifications Gained
- Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply - CIPS accredited)
- Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard
Training Structure
- Online college learning (one day a week)
- On-the-job practical experience in procurement and commercial functions
Additional Support
Apprentices will receive:
- Placement Manager – Provides day-to-day guidance
- Scheme Sponsor – A senior manager offering technical and professional advice
- Buddy System – Support from a current apprentice or graduate to help navigate the organisation
- Development Adviser – Career coaching and progression support
Graduate & Apprentice Community
TfL has a Graduate and Apprentice Committee and an Alumni group.These networks provide: - Insights into different TfL apprenticeship schemes
- Mentorship opportunities
- Apprentice-exclusive networking events
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks candidates who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Caring – About colleagues, customers, and their work
- Open – To new ideas, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Adaptable – Willing to innovate and adjust to evolving challenges
Ideal Candidate Attributes:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Attention to detail and commercial awareness
- A passion for procurement, contract management, and business operations
Assessment Process
You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.
Please see link on TfL website providing further guidance:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles
- Assessments must be completed within one week – re-issues are not possible
- Assessment centres for apprenticeships will take place from April to June
Inclusive Recruitment Process
TfL operates a transparent and inclusive recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments can be provided at any stage of the application process.
As a Disability Confident Employer, TfL guarantees interviews for candidates who meet the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge, and experience.
For high-volume recruitment (including Graduate, Apprentice, and Intern roles), the minimum criteria typically involve achieving a pass mark in the first stage assessments.
Contact Information
For any queries or requests for reasonable adjustments, the recruitment team can be contacted via:
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:30, excluding bank holidays)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk