Job Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is seeking talented individuals from a range of disciplines and backgrounds to contribute to its journey towards zero carbon and vision of being London’s strong green heartbeat.
While apprentices will maintain close links with TfL’s Sustainability & Corporate Environment team, they could potentially work in any department within the organisation. The focus will be on ensuring sustainability is embedded in every decision made across TfL’s operations.
The climate and ecological crisis is one of the defining challenges of modern times. London is part of the global effort to tackle it, and the Mayor of London has set an ambitious goal to make London net zero-carbon by 2030. TfL must keep London moving while making the city safer, more sustainable, and more inclusive, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in driving sustainability efforts across one of the world’s leading transport networks.
The programme will require at least two days per week in the office, subject to working patterns and business requirements, as well as one day per week at a London-based university.
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:
- A minimum of 2 GCSEs (Grade 4/C and above), including English and Maths.
- 3 A-Levels (Grade A-C or equivalent)* in any subject.
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 before the start date to be eligible.
Medical Assessment: Depending on placements and final roles, applicants may be required to undertake a 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 Qualifications Will Be Gained?
Apprentices will work towards the Environmental Practitioner Level 6 Apprenticeship, a degree-level qualification.
Further details about apprenticeship standard reference ST0778 can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website.
What Will the Apprenticeship Involve?
Induction & Initial Training:
- A two-week induction.
- A three-week work experience placement as a Customer Service Assistant at a station, providing front-line experience and an understanding of customer-facing roles within a transport organisation.
Placements:
- The apprenticeship includes two different placements each year, designed to provide breadth of experience and align with individual interests and career ambitions.
- Placements will enable apprentices to develop the skills, experience, and behaviours required to successfully complete the apprenticeship and progress in their careers.
Example Placements from Current Apprentices:
- Sustainability & Corporate Environment – Sustainability
Developing and delivering knowledge-sharing programmes on sustainability.
- Sustainability & Corporate Environment – Carbon & Energy
Developing and implementing detailed plans to reduce energy consumption, increase renewable energy, and cut carbon emissions.
Contributing to green transport initiatives, including projects beyond zero-emission buses.
- Piccadilly Line Upgrade Project
Chairing the Green Meeting attended by senior project leaders, reporting on environmental metrics, and championing climate adaptation, biodiversity, and carbon reduction.
- Environment & Sustainability Engineering
Working on carbon modelling, sustainability integration, and environmental management.
- Transport Strategy & Planning
Involvement in developing and implementing London-wide environmental transport policies.
- Places for London (TfL’s Property Development Arm)
Working with property managers to improve environmental and social aspects of the London property market.
Where Can This Career Lead?
This scheme is designed to develop future sustainability leaders who can influence positive change within roles such as:
- Environmental Management
- Sustainability Management
- Responsible Procurement
- Asset Operations & Strategy
- Project & Infrastructure Delivery
- General Management
- Transport Policy & Planning
- Finance
- Governance & Legal Compliance
Apprentices will gain the skills, behaviours, and experiences to help shape the future of London’s transport network in a sustainable way.
Training & Support
Apprentices will receive comprehensive support throughout the programme, including:
- Technical development through on-the-job experience and placements.
- Professional development via a combination of classroom-led training courses, online learning, mentoring, and structured networking opportunities.
One-to-One Guidance Will Be Provided By:
- Placement Manager – Responsible for day-to-day management and development support.
- Scheme Sponsor – A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser.
- Buddy System – Support from a current apprentice or graduate.
- Development Adviser – Providing career coaching and professional development guidance.
The study element of the apprenticeship includes one day per week of day release at university, alongside some full weeks of block learning.
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks motivated individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:
- An inquisitive mind – someone eager to ask questions and seek solutions.
- Proactivity – taking initiative and responsibility.
- Teamwork – thriving in a collaborative environment.
Candidates will be given responsibility and opportunities to add value from day one. Those who are excited by the prospect of shaping London’s sustainable future and who can thrive under pressure are encouraged to apply.
TfL’s Core Values:
- Caring – about colleagues, customers, and work.
- Openness – to new ideas, collaboration, and innovation.
- Adaptability – responding to diverse needs and changing demands.
Assessment Process
Applicants will receive support and information throughout the assessment process.
More details on the TfL website:
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:
Scheduled from February to April.
Most roles have only 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.
Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments should notify TfL as soon as possible.
Contact Information
For further information or to request reasonable adjustments, applicants should contact TfL directly.
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:30)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk