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
Location
London
Mandela Way/ West Ham Bus Garage
Duration
Three and a half years
What qualification will I gain?
You’ll be working towards an NVQ Level 3 qualification in Motor Vehicle Service and
Maintenance (Light Vehicle). Typically, you’ll be required to attend college one day per week.
Entry requirements
You’re 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.
For those who do not have a GCSE Level 4 (Grade C and above) or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English – it’s a requirement that during your apprenticeship you must achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English before your End Point Assessment. You’ll be supported to achieve this and it will include an initial check of your current Maths and English skills before commencing the apprenticeship.
Please note that you’ll be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
You must be 16 years of age before 8th September 2025 to be eligible for this scheme.
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.
Required entrance criteria are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change due to retendering of apprenticeship training provision.
Proposed start date: 8th September 2025
Job overview
Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. Light Vehicle Repair Apprentices work on the Dial-a-Ride (DaR) fleet, which offers a free, door-to-door transport service for mobility-impaired people. As well as learning about general maintenance of all the vehicles, you’ll also get involved in the latest technology and innovations we’re exploring. This may include projects involving electric buses, kinetic energy regeneration and storage and thermal energy.
Sustainability
Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world.
What will I be doing?
As an apprentice, your three-and-a-half-year training will be with DaR, primarily at its main maintenance centre. You’ll work with a small, dedicated team of fully qualified technicians, dealing with the service maintenance and repair of our modern fleet of Euro 6 ULEZ compliant vehicles.
Your role will differ day to day, depending on business requirements, but typically you can expect to be involved with the following:
• Vehicle inspections
• Fault diagnosis
• Brake roller testing
• Emissions testing
Where can this career take me?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you’ll be a fully qualified light vehicle technician with a qualification that is recognised throughout the motor industry. Subject to availability, you could roll off into the position of Vehicle Maintenance Technician working on our fleet of 260 vehicles, or as a Vehicle Maintenance Assistant working across eight different locations in London. You may also benefit from opportunities that arise to further upskill, attending courses on the latest innovations such as Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems.
What training and support will you get?
Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences. 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'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:
• Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
• Buddy: Usually an apprentice or graduate who gives support to you and ensure that you feel welcomed in the organisation
• Development adviser: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and career progression at TfL
What do we look for?
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:
• Have an inquisitive mind
• Promote a safety conscious culture
• Thrive in a team
As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value. If you’re excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London, then this is the career path for you.
