Job Overview
Transport for London’s (TfL) Light Vehicle Repair Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to work on the Dial-a-Ride (DaR) fleet, a service providing door-to-door transport for mobility-impaired people.
As a Light Vehicle Repair Apprentice, you will:
- Learn about vehicle maintenance on a modern fleet of Euro 6 ULEZ-compliant vehicles.
- Gain hands-on experience with new vehicle technology and innovations, including electric buses, kinetic energy regeneration, and thermal energy storage projects.
- Work within a small, dedicated team of qualified technicians at DaR’s main maintenance centre.
What Will the Apprenticeship Involve?
Throughout the 3.5-year training programme, apprentices will be involved in a variety of tasks based on daily business requirements, such as:
- Vehicle inspections
- Fault diagnosis
- Brake roller testing
- Emissions testing
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.
What Qualification Will You Gain?
Apprentices will work towards a Level 3 qualification in Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance (Light Vehicle).
- Typically, apprentices will attend college one day per week during the apprenticeship.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, applicants must:
- Not currently hold or be working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject.
- Achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English during the apprenticeship if they do not already have a GCSE Grade C (Level 4) or above in these subjects.
- Provide original certificates and/or predicted grades for eligibility checks.
- Be at least 16 years old by 8th September 2025.
Medical Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include but is not limited to:
- Drugs and alcohol screening
- Eye test and hearing test
Sustainability
Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, ensuring operations protect and regenerate the natural world.
Where Can This Career Take You?
Upon successful completion of the scheme, apprentices will become fully qualified Light Vehicle Technicians with a qualification recognised across the motor industry.
Apprentices could progress into roles such as:
- Vehicle Maintenance Technician – working on TfL’s fleet of 260 vehicles.
- Vehicle Maintenance Assistant – working across eight different locations in London.
Apprentices may also have opportunities to attend additional courses focused on Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems.
What Training & Support Will You Get?
Apprentices will receive a combination of technical and professional development, including:
- On-the-job practical experience in vehicle maintenance and repair.
- Classroom-led training courses and online training courses.
- Mentoring opportunities and structured networking within TfL.
One-to-One Guidance Will Be Provided By:
- 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 to ensure a smooth transition.
- Development Adviser – Offering career coaching and progression support.
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks motivated individuals who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Inquisitive mind – Curiosity and a desire to learn.
- Promotes a safety-conscious culture – Prioritises safety for themselves and others.
- Team player – Thrives in a collaborative environment.
If you are excited by the opportunity to influence and inspire the future of London’s transport, this could be the career path for you.
Application Process
The application process consists of five steps, including online assessments that must be completed within an allocated timeframe.
For details, please see the application process link on the TfL website:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles
- Applicants have one week to complete assessments.
- Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from April to June.
- 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.
TfL is committed to ensuring a fair and robust reasonable adjustments process, collaborating with Occupational Health colleagues and other expert organisations.
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 (Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:00)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk