Job Description

Date:

27 Jan 2026

Location:

Croydon, TfL Corporate

Company:

TfL, GLA or OPDC

Please note: This role may close soon depending on the level of interest so don't miss out!

Thank you for your interest in applying for this role.

We'd like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.

This application will also contain a series of questions to establish whether or not you are eligible. It is important that you take great care in reading and answering these questions as we will not be able to revert your application if an error is made.

Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Apprenticeship scheme per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

Trams Engineering

Level

3

Apprentice Standard

Rail Engineering Technician

"Growing up in Croydon, I've seen the impact that the Tram network has every day. 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."




-- Lauren, Systems Technician (former Trams Engineering Apprentice)

Salary

27,029

Fun fact/quote/things to consider/what makes us different?

Help keep London's only Tram system a reliable and safe operation.

What we offer

You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:

Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household Discounted National Rail and Eurostar travel Defined pension contribution scheme 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

3 years

Location

Croydon

Entry requirements

You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 2 GCSEs (or equivalent) A*-C or grade 4 and above including Maths and English.


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.


Please note that you'll be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades/transcripts as proof for your eligibility checks.


You must be 18 years of age before the start date 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.

What qualifications will I gain?

Level 3 Rail Engineering qualification

Start Date

7th September 2026

Job overview

Our engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. The role of a technician within London Trams is an essential part of TfL. It's especially important as Croydon is a rapidly growing part of London, with much development going on.

What will I be doing?

As an apprentice, your three-year development programme will be made up of several placements around London Trams. 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

During your first year, you'll be exposed to all areas of Trams, from maintenance of fleet and infrastructure to working with the operator to see how the service is managed. The intention of the first year is to give you an overall view of how the business operates and how the different areas work together so the Trams network operates efficiently. The placements in the first year will also provide you with the exposure to the disciplines you could potentially specialise in. After completion of the placements, a decision will be made between the apprentice and the business as to where the apprentice's skills are best suited.

Placement 1 - Stores

- Gaining an appreciation of obsolescence management, as well as an understanding of material requirements planning and assisting in materials movements within SAP.

Placement 2 -

Control Room

- Developing an understanding of various control room processes that manage disruptions and incidents on the network and how the control room manage access to the Tramway.

Placement 3 - Civil Works

-Offers insight into the cyclical maintenance activities that the London Trams Civils team carry out. An opportunity to learn about the purpose of highways inspections and the health and safety legislation requirements that relate to the Civils team.

Placement 4 - Track

- Developing an understanding of the track maintenance regime, a basic understanding of track componentry and undertaking maintenance work with the Track team.

Placement 5 - Fleet

- Assisting with maintenance of the tram fleet, undertaking activities as directed by fleet technicians/service delivery managers. Engaging in tram bogie overhaul work as part of projects works required to extend the lifespan of the tram fleet.

Placement 6 - Overhead Line

- Undertaking routine inspection, maintenance and component replacement as directed by Overhead Line Supervisor.

Placement 7-

Systems

-- Undertaking routine inspection, maintenance and component replacement of London Trams systems assets. This can involve working on Passenger Information Displays, points, CCTV cameras, Programmable Logic Computers and many other items of specialist equipment.

Year 2

Aligned with business needs, the apprentice will then move into a set discipline (Fleet, Overhead Line or Systems).

There will be one role available for Overhead Line, one role available for Systems and two roles available for Fleet.

Although this will be based on business need, further information will be provided to gain an understanding of your preferences at assessment centre stage.

The remainder of the apprenticeship scheme is then geared around providing the placements which are required to gain occupational competence. Each placement has set learning objectives that are to be achieved to help work towards achieving the qualifications required for your apprenticeship.

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. You'll also be able to complete placements that help deliver our Green strategy and ensure TfL is a strong, green heartbeat for London.

Where can this career take me?

Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll off into a technician role and this can lead to further career development opportunities such as shift supervisor, asset manager or asset engineer. The apprenticeship will provide you with exposure to multiple disciplines, giving you a solid grounding in how a light rail system operates. The scheme will also provide you with the opportunity to become a competent technician.


Beyond that, the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the scheme will open up a range of opportunities within engineering. The current Director of Engineering and Major Projects Director for TfL both started as a technician apprentice; apprentices at TfL can aspire to senior management positions.

What training and support will you get?

Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.


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?

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

Application process

Our application system requires all applicants to upload a CV. Although CVs are not reviewed during the shortlisting process, we do use them to confirm that applicants meet the required grade eligibility criteria. You are welcome to upload a basic CV however, please ensure that the section detailing your qualifications is accurate and up to date. Please note we do not read cover letters.



The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process.



Please click on this link for which describes each stage of the Apprentice Application Process



You will receive information and guidance around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.

Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete online assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests once the deadline passes.



Assessment centres for apprentice roles will take place from March - May 2026, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee alternative dates. We are conducting assessment centres in-person and virtually (role dependent).

Our city. Made better by you.

TfL is a place that's open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It's a place where you can thrive and achieve. Where you're encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.

Inclusive recruitment process

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all the essential criteria.

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

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.

Contact us

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Contact the recruitment team by

Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)


* Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk