Mechanical Engineering Summer Placement 2026

The document ds not list specific technical skills, but the programme is designed to equip candidates with a range of engineering skills, including root-cause analysis, maintenance inspections, upgrades, and commercial aspects of engineering projects.

At least one year of study must be completed and the candidate must be on track to receive a minimum of 2:2 MEng or MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent subject. The academic qualification must be accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

If successful in getting an offer for this graduate scheme, the offer is subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test.

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme. If the candidate ds not have the right to work in the UK, or only has a right to work for a limited time which is lesser than the duration of the scheme, TfL will be unable to sponsor for this role.

Clear objectives are set at the start of the placement and mid placement and end of placement reviews are completed with the placement manager. An independent sponsor for the period of placement helps ensure a wider perspective of TfL Engineering is gained.

One-to-one guidance throughout the programme is provided from:

• Placement manager: Responsible for day-to-day management and support with development
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
• Buddy: Usually a second-year graduate who gives support and ensures that the candidate feels welcomed in the organisation
• Chartered IMechE mentor: Supports professional development through providing career coaching and mentoring towards chartership

TfL values candidates who are:

• Caring about colleagues, customers, and work
• Open to new ideas and collaboration
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

Mechanical engineers have the chance to create a huge impact. A career with TfL is varied and exciting, with opportunities across TfL Engineering. During the summer placement, meaningful and valuable work experience is gained which supports the ongoing career journey towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Engineer. At the end of the placement, there may be the opportunity to be considered for a graduate position through the fast-track process.

Only one application for any of the Graduate schemes per year is allowed. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which must be completed within an allocated time frame. It is highly recommended that the document is read thoroughly so that the process can be familiarised.

A link is provided which describes each stage of the Summer Placement Application Process: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles?intcmp=66755
If qualification certificates are already held, copies should be uploaded to the application. If final exams are due to be sat or certificates need to be replaced, these must be provided at a later stage.
Information and guidance around each assessment stage is provided as progress is made through the application.

Close attention should be paid to emails and deadlines provided noting there is 1 week to complete online assessments and tests cannot be re-issued once the deadline passes.

Assessment centres for graduates and intern roles take place from December-January, and many roles only have 1 assessment day and alternative dates cannot be guaranteed. Assessment centres are conducted in person and virtually (role dependent).

TfL is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The aim is to represent the city served, which will help become a more innovative and efficient organisation. The goal is to make recruitment as inclusive as possible. TfL is a disability confident employer who guarantees an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria set is achieving a pass mark in the first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme.

TfL should be notified if any reasonable adjustments are required for any stages of the application process.

Contact information
The recruitment team can be contacted by:
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)
Email: EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk