Job Overview
Transport for London’s (TfL) Building Services Engineering Apprenticeship provides an opportunity to work on the assets that form the foundation of the transport network’s building infrastructure.
Building Services Engineering apprentices will help ensure TfL’s stations and facilities provide a bright, clean, functional, and welcoming environment that is safe and accessible for all. This role supports passenger growth demands through line upgrades, renewals, enhancements, and improvement programmes.
Apprentices will help retain and develop in-house knowledge of Electrical & Mechanical (E&M) assets, as TfL upgrades legacy infrastructure to become safer, more reliable, automated, and energy-efficient.
Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and the organisation operates in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world.
This 5.5-year programme is based in London, with hybrid working (typically no more than 50% of time working remotely). Some courses and placements may require full-time attendance. Hybrid working arrangements may evolve based on business requirements.
What TfL Offers
Successful applicants will have access to a range of benefits, including:
- Free travel on the TfL network for the apprentice and a nominee who lives in the same household.
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel.
- Minimum of 29 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme.
- Access to a range of retail, health, leisure, and travel offers.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should already hold or be working towards:
- 2 GCSEs (Grade 4/C and above), including Maths and English Language (or equivalent).
- 3 A-Levels (grades BBC or equivalent), which must include Maths.
Candidates with equivalent Level 3 qualifications must hold or be on track to achieve one of the following:
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (DDM) in an Engineering subject area, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (128 UCAS points).
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (DD) in an Engineering subject area, with a minimum of Merit in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (112 UCAS points).
- T-level (Merit or above) in Construction: Design, Surveying, and Planning (120 UCAS points).
- Building Services Engineering Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship (DD) (96 UCAS points), alongside a grade Pass or Distinction at EPA.
Please note: Applicants are not eligible if they currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject.
All applicants will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for eligibility checks.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years old by 8th September 2025 to be eligible.
Medical Assessment: Offers are subject to a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include but is not limited to:
- Drugs and alcohol screening
- Eye test
- Hearing test
Entry criteria are correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change due to apprenticeship training provision retendering.
What Will the Apprenticeship Involve?
The 5.5-year development programme consists of several six-month placement rotations, offering broad technical expertise and hands-on experience.
Year 1:
- London Underground Asset Performance & Capital Delivery – Renewals Programme (6 months)
Supporting technical scope development, design preparation, installation, and commissioning for small-scale infrastructure renewals.
Example projects include platform re-lighting, substation ventilation strengthening, and tunnel ventilation fan upgrades.
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Beckton Depot (6 months)
Supporting technical scopes for DLR infrastructure, supervising external design and installation, and assisting with commissioning of medium-scale performance improvements.
Year 2:
- London Underground Asset Performance & Capital Delivery – Enhancements Programme (6 months)
Refining knowledge of technical scopes, design preparation, and commissioning for medium-scale station enhancements.
- Commercial Development – Property Development Programme (6 months)
Working on retail infrastructure projects across TfL’s estate, supporting design development and technical scoping.
Year 3:
- Road/Street Lighting Infrastructure (6 months)
Working on design preparation and installation of TfL’s road and street lighting infrastructure.
Providing support for commissioning performance improvements.
- Piccadilly Line Upgrade Programme (6 months)
Assisting in technical scope preparation and design assurance for major tube line capacity upgrades.
Supporting station cooling and ventilation upgrades.
Years 4 & 5:
- Apprentices choose to specialise in either Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
- University modules will align with the chosen discipline.
- Further placements may involve:
-London Underground Depots
-Lifts and Escalators Engineering
-Surface Tunnel Investment Programme
-Commercial Telecommunications Projects
Where Can This Career Lead?
Upon successful completion, apprentices could transition into a Junior Engineer position within one of TfL’s E&M sub-teams.
Opportunities exist for career progression towards:
- Technical Discipline Expert
- Senior Project Engineer
- Senior Leadership Roles
Many senior TfL leaders, including the Technical Director of Engineering and the Chief Capital Officer, began their careers as apprentices.
The qualification is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
Training & Support
Apprentices will work towards a Level 6 qualification in Building Services Design Engineering.
- University attendance is typically one day per week during term time.
- Some courses may be delivered remotely.
- TfL provides on-the-job training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to support technical and professional development.
Apprentices will also receive one-to-one guidance from:
- Placement Manager – providing day-to-day guidance.
- Scheme Sponsor – a senior manager offering technical and professional advice.
- Buddy System – support from a current apprentice or graduate.
- Development Adviser – offering career coaching and progression support.
TfL also has a Graduate and Apprentice Committee and an Alumni Group, providing a strong support network and regular apprentice-only events.
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks candidates who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Caring – about colleagues, customers, and work.
- Open-minded – to new ideas, collaboration, and teamwork.
- Adaptable – able to innovate and respond to evolving challenges.
Those with a passion for engineering and technology and a desire to shape the future of London’s transport network are encouraged to apply.
Assessment Process
Applicants will receive support and information throughout the assessment process.
Please see link on TfL website providing further guidance:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles
- Online Assessments: Applicants will have one week to complete each assessment.
- Assessment Centres:
Held from April to June.
-Each role typically has one assessment day (dates cannot be rescheduled).
-Assessments may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the role.
-Inclusive Recruitment Process
TfL is a Disability Confident Employer and offers guaranteed interviews to candidates who meet the minimum criteria.
Contact Information
For reasonable adjustments or further information, applicants should contact TfL directly.
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:30)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk