Job Overview
Transport for London (TfL) is seeking Civil Engineering Apprentices to support the maintenance, safety, and development of London’s transport infrastructure.
TfL’s asset stock is highly varied, including:
- Thousands of bridges
- Hundreds of kilometres of roads and tunnels
- Hundreds of embankments and cuttings
- A vast network of drainage systems
These essential assets form the foundation of London’s transport network, enabling the city to move, work, and grow.
Civil Engineers are at the forefront of major transport upgrades, contributing to projects such as HS2, Crossrail 2, and the Bakerloo Line Extension.
This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience, helping to ensure the ongoing reliability and safety of London's world-class infrastructure.
What Will the Apprenticeship Involve?
This is a 5.5 – 6-year programme, consisting of 3 to 6-month rotational placements. The structure provides broad exposure to different areas of civil engineering.
Year 1
- Placement 1 – Sponsorship (6 months)
Preparing project briefs and securing funding.
Prioritising project workbanks.
Undertaking financial and equality impact assessments.
- Placement 2 – Project Management (6 months)
Assisting Project Managers in delivering projects.
Understanding contractual frameworks.
Managing internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Year 2
- Placement 3 – Sustainability & Environmental Team (6 months)
Supporting teams in improving sustainability and environmental impact.
Aligning projects with the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.
- Placement 4 – Civil Asset Operations (Maintenance Team) (6 months)
Preparing project briefs and supervising contractors for civil maintenance.
Conducting inspections of bridges, earth structures, pumps, and drainage assets.
Additional Technical Placements
Apprentices can choose to undertake technical placements in areas such as:
- Earth Structures
- Pumps & Drainage
- Railway Structures
- Highway Structures
- Tunnels
These placements align with technical university modules and typically take place after Year 2.
What TfL Offers
Apprentices 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.
- Retail, health, leisure, and travel discounts.
Hybrid working is available, with a balance of 50% office-based and 50% remote working over a four-week period, subject to business requirements.
Things to Consider
While this apprenticeship will include site-based placements, the majority of placements will be office-based with site visits.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should already hold or be working towards:
- *A minimum of 2 GCSEs (Grade A-C / Grade 4 and above)**, including Maths and English.
- 3 A-Levels at BBC (or equivalent), which must include Maths and preferably a Science subject (Physics or Chemistry).
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, with a minimum of merit in Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics (128 UCAS points).
- Access to Engineering qualifications, including 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits in Maths and Physical Science credit.
- 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) plus a Pass or Distinction at EPA.
Please note:
- Applicants must meet the entry requirements before the apprenticeship start date.
- Applicants are not eligible if they currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject.
- Original certificates and/or predicted grades will be required for eligibility checks.
- Applicants must be 18 years old by September 2025 to be eligible.
Medical Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to pass a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include but is not limited to:
- Drugs and alcohol screening.
- Eye test.
- Hearing test.
Sustainability at TfL
Sustainability is central to TfL’s engineering and construction ethos. TfL operates sustainably to protect and regenerate the natural world while delivering essential infrastructure projects.
What Qualifications Will Be Gained?
Successful apprentices will achieve:
- BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering Degree, accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM).
- Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.
- Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE).
Where Can This Career Lead?
Upon completion of the scheme, apprentices can roll off into roles such as:
- Engineering Technician
- Assistant Engineer
- Works Inspector
- Assistant Project Manager
- Assistant Operations Officer
These roles provide opportunities for further career development within TfL’s engineering, operations, and project delivery teams.
Training & Support
Apprentices will work towards a Level 6 Civil Engineering qualification and will typically attend university one day per week.
Apprentices will receive comprehensive support, including:
- On-the-job practical experience through multiple placements.
- Technical development via classroom-led training, online learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
One-to-One Guidance Will Be Provided By:
- Placement Manager – Responsible for day-to-day support and management.
- Scheme Sponsor – A senior manager who provides technical and professional guidance.
- Buddy System – Support from a current apprentice or graduate.
- Development Adviser – Providing career coaching and professional development support.
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks motivated individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Attention to detail – ensuring projects are well-planned and executed safely.
- Problem-solving skills – working within teams to develop infrastructure solutions.
- Analytical thinking – applying engineering principles to real-world projects.
- Communication skills – working with internal and external stakeholders.
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 details or to request reasonable adjustments, please use the following contact information:
Phone: 0203 005 1680
Email: earlycareerscampaign@tfl.gov.uk