Our apprenticeships explained
How apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships provide you with on-the-job training and responsibilities from day one. You'll spend 20% of your time working towards an industry recognised professional qualification.
The combination of work and learning allows you to develop your learning through practical experience. We'll invest in your training and pay you at the same time.
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you'll have all the relevant knowledge to progress in your chosen field.
What the starting salaries are
We offer varying starting salaries from:
- Level 2 and 3: £23,404
- Level 4: £25,216
- Level 5: £26,477
- Level 6: £27,801
Who can start an apprenticeship
You must have the Right to Work in the UK for the duration of your apprenticeship and have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years.
Before you can start an apprenticeship, you must be 18 years old. There is no upper age limit.
The majority of our schemes require a minimum of 2 or more GCSEs for an applicant to be eligible. However, some of our schemes have no formal entry requirements at all!
Where qualifications are required, applicants can still be studying towards these, so long as they meet the entry requirements by the start date.
From Level 2 through to Degree apprenticeships and with so many career pathways and training opportunities available, TfL will help you transform your future and we'll be with you all the way.
You can only apply for one apprenticeship scheme per year.
Levels of apprenticeship
We offer four types of apprenticeships:
- Intermediate Apprenticeships or Level 2: Equivalent to GCSEs
- Advanced Apprenticeships or Level 3: Equivalent to A Levels
- Higher Apprenticeships or Level 4 and Level 5: Equivalent to a foundation degree and above
- Degree Apprenticeships or Level 6: Equivalent to a degree
Higher level apprenticeships tend to have higher entry requirements. If you have a degree, you cannot apply for an apprenticeship that is related to your current degree.
For example, you cannot apply for a finance apprenticeship with a finance degree. If your degree is in an unrelated subject, you can apply for an apprenticeship.
Have a look at our apprenticeship roles.
What you'll get
At the end of each programme, our apprentices get professional qualifications.
They vary depending on the role. For example, for the London Underground Fleet Apprenticeship, you'll achieve a Rail Engineering Technician qualification
If you're on Finance level 4, you'll gain a qualification in Business Accounting accredited by CIMA.
If you do Building Services level 6, you'll get Building Services Engineering qualification. This is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
Take a look also at the key benefits of becoming an apprentice with us.
Application process
There are three stages:
- Online application: It's where you enter your personal details and select the programme you want to apply for.
- Online test: This test helps us (and you) to identify your key strengths and understand if they align to our strengths and values.
- Assessment centre: It varies by role but may include an interview, a technical question, a test, a group task or a presentation. We'll provide more details nearer the assessment centre date, so you have time to prepare.
If you want to apply for an apprenticeship, graduate or intern role, follow our step-by-step application guide.
Application deadlines
Applications for all apprenticeship levels will be open soon. Register your interest to stay updated.
Length of schemes
Apprenticeships' length varies depending on the level. They usually last from 18 months to 6 years. Lower levels, for example 2, 3 and 4 are between 2-3 years.
Level 6 takes around 5 years to complete, as apprentices attend university and study towards a degree.
Our locations
All the apprenticeship roles are London based with our main offices being in Southwark, North Greenwich, and Stratford. Your working location may vary and will depend upon your scheme, placement or job requirement.
You can still apply if you live outside of London. Your place of residence is not considered in the application.
Education providers
We have made agreements with training providers for each of our schemes so these vary depending on the scheme that you are on.
What we cover
Our apprentices don't pay towards their apprenticeships. We cover all training and qualification costs and apprentices' salary.
What's next for you
The opportunities are endless. We invest in apprentices' development because their growth is our growth.
When the programme ends, you'll have the opportunity to secure a permanent position. Some of you may want to progress onto another apprenticeship too. In a long term, you can expand on your knowledge and experience.
If you have any other questions email earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk.