Unlike The Apprentice, Alan Sugar’s self-reverential TV programme crammed with suited wannabes and never-wases, Transport for London offers training on the job schemes where the participants are relally going places.
Right on track: Lauren, from Croydon, did her apprenticeship as a tram engineer
There are 157 opportunities across the capital with TfL for apprentices to launch their careers, offering qualifications from equivalent of GCSEs to degree-level, including asset and track maintenance, London Underground escalators, trams engineering and London Underground construction site supervision.
In National Apprenticeship Week, TfL is looking for applicants for their trams engineering apprenticeship, “seeing a new generation of engineers learn how to keep the vital service running”, which last year saw 17 million journeys made across south London.
Over the years, TfL has taken on thousands of apprentices through its supply chain or through the London Transport Museum and Places for London. All have gained experience and new skills while working on a vast range of projects that help shape London, including Silvertown Tunnel, the Elizabeth line, major road improvements and communication systems for staff working on London Underground.
Lauren, a systems technician at Transport for London, did her apprenticeship on the tram network. “Growing up in Croydon, I’ve seen the impact that the tram network has every day,” she said.
“Being able to work for a world-renowned network and make a difference to my local community at the same time is a rare opportunity.”
The TfL opportunities, including some opened earlier this year, span from Level 2 to Level 6, a Level 2 apprenticeship being the equivalent of five GCSEs, and Level 6 equivalent to achieving a degree. They allow people of all ages and from all backgrounds to learn on the job while earning.
TfL’s supplier skills programme also looks to connect existing and future apprentices with roles across its UK-wide supply chain, helping people looking for a potential apprenticeship role among companies in all corners of the country.
TfL supported suppliers to create almost 450 apprenticeship starts in 2024-2025, in which 74% of the successful applicants were from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background and 21% of candidates were female.
Delighted: transport commissioner Andy Lord
Andy Lord, London’s transport commissioner, said: “We are delighted to once again have fantastic apprenticeship opportunities available to people from all backgrounds and at various qualifications.
“Our award-winning apprenticeship schemes are helping people at all stages of their careers learn new skills while earning so they in turn can help us take the industry further.
“Our schemes, and those offered through our supply chain, are a great way for people to get their footing in their chosen careers. Apprenticeships are for people of all ages – whether they’re leaving school or looking to change career after several years – I encourage everyone to see the range of placements we have on offer to see if a new opportunity with us could work for them.”
To find out more about TfL’s roles and apply, click here https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/apprenticeships
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