Vehicles Engineering
What makes us different?
We have a massive range of assets at all stages in their lifecycle including London Underground trains, Buses, Docklands Light Rail, Trams and Woolwich Ferries.
Salary
£26,559
Location
London (there might be some hybrid working involved depending on a placement)
What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow:
• Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
• Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more
Duration
4 years
Proposed start date
8th September 2025
Entry requirements
You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 2 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) and above in Maths and English language (or equivalent) plus 2 A-Levels in any subject at grade A* - D (or equivalent).
You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have already studied content from the qualification for this scheme.
Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
You must be 18 years of age before the 8th of September 2025 to be eligible for this scheme.
Job overview
Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. We have 800 trains, manage the buses contracts. Our assets range from computer driven to old mechanical systems. Introducing new technology means we need a diverse workforce to support us. We are currently delivering the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which includes a reduction in electrical consumption, the achievement of carbon neutral by 2030 and significantly reduced bus fleet emissions.
What will I be doing?
As an apprentice, your 4-year development programme will be made up of up to 15 placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:
Year 1
Placement 1 - Rolling Stock Depot – 4-6 months
Maintenance improvements, Modifications and Service Delivery
Placement 2 – Rolling Stock Engineering Support - 4-6 months
Engineering improvement, incident response, technical support
Year 2
Placement 1 - Docklands Light Railway – 2-4 months
New train introduction, Contract Management
Placement 2 – Response team – 2-4 months
Providing engineering response to asset incidents and failures
Placement 2 - Technical Services - 2-4 months
Train Testing, Environmental Testing, Audio Visual Testing
There is flexibility for apprentices to tailor their scheme. This can be agreed between you and your scheme sponsor - some placements are compulsory, and some are optional. This opportunity usually arises in Years 3 & 4.
Where can this career take me?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into several different areas within our team depending on your personal aspirations and business need, such as a rolling stock/trams engineer, working within the design areas, reliability engineering or train testing. Progression to a Senior Engineer would normally be expected within a 5 – 10-year timeframe.
This is a Level 4 Apprenticeship. On completion of the apprenticeship, you will have satisfied the requirements for registration as an Engineering Technician by the relevant Professional Engineering Institutions.
What training and support will you get?
You will be working towards a Level 4 qualification in Vehicles Engineering.
Typically, you will be required to attend college for five weeks in weekly blocks.
Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences and placements. We’ll also support your professional development through a combination of classroom-led training courses, online training courses, mentoring opportunities, and structured networking opportunities. You will receive one-to-one support throughout the programme from your scheme sponsor and your Line Manager. You’ll also be connected to a ‘buddy’ who will be a more experienced apprentice from the scheme.
What do we look for?
Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:
• Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
• Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate
Everything we do as an organisation is to ensure that our evolving city remains future proof for millions of Londoners. Our talented apprentices form a vital part of that vision, so it’s important that we find the best people to help us do this. We’re looking for people who are:
• Innovative and proactive
• Creative and with a great eye for detail
• Collaborative and adaptable
• Practical and who enjoy ‘hands on’ engineering
As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value. If you are excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London, then this is the career path for you.
Important information
Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test.
