Engineering & Technology (IET) Graduate Scheme

The role will be based in London.  Hybrid working (typically working from home no more than 50% of the time over a 4-week period) will be the default arrangement going forward, although some courses and placements will require full-time attendance. We will consider all requests in a reasonable manner. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements.

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

• 30 days Annual leave (pro-rata) plus public and bank holidays.

• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme

• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more

Duration

2-years

Entry Requirements

Candidates must already hold or be on track to achieve a minimum of 2:2 BEng/BSc or MEng/MSc in electrical, electronic, systems or mechatronic engineering or a closely related subject accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Candidates with IET accredited pure Mechanical Engineering degrees will only be considered for the Systems Engineering stream.

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.

Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, or only have a right to work here for a limited time which is less than the duration of the scheme, you should be aware that TfL will be unable to sponsor you for this role.

Start Date

6th September 2027

Job overview

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system.

London never stops and the engineering challenge which we face in modernising and upgrading our systems has been likened to undertaking open heart surgery on a patient while they are running a marathon! Our network plays a massive role in ensuring London can become a Net Zero Carbon city and as Engineers we help shape the decisions that will lead to this carbon reduction.

You will undertake a range of placements supporting reliable operations and enhancements of one of the world's leading transport networks and help to shape London’s future.

What will I be doing

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system.

Your work will span many transport modes. To deliver city-defining programmes and cutting-edge innovations, you will work in multidisciplinary teams across Transport for London with:

• Customers

• Local government bodies

• Suppliers

• Consultants

Your two-year development programme:

• Will consist of up to eight three-month placements

• Will involve a series of front line experience placements in maintenance and operations teams, such as at depots, with signalling maintainers, or with Network Controllers

• Will give you the opportunity to help translate strategic and policy objectives (such as carbon reduction) into specific engineering projects

You will have the freedom to choose the placements you undertake within a structured framework. This process will be guided by a dedicated scheme sponsor, a professional mentor, a peer buddy, and a development adviser. Together, they will provide tailored support, advice, and feedback throughout your journey. This strong support network is designed to help you navigate the organisation, maximise your learning, and build confidence in your professional development.

Placements outside of Engineering can also be arranged to help you gain an appreciation of the full range of Transport for London’s activities, including:

• Project Sponsorship

• The Safety, Health and Environment Directorate

• The Commissioner's Office

The ultimate goal is to gain the skills and experience necessary to support your path to becoming a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology. To guide your development, you will be asked to express a preference for one of the following streams on application:

• Systems Engineering

This involves working across all transport modes, helping us be the voice of integration and system considerations on our projects to ensure we deliver in the most cost effective, carbon efficient and time efficient manner. Your placements will include Systems Engineering and Systems Integration on our major schemes, working at all phases in the project lifecycle to define system architectures, determine requirements, manage opportunities to collaborate between projects, and ensure quality design is delivered to our operating colleagues.

• Technology Engineering

This includes using new and emerging technology to solve our complex, technical problems. Placements could include working on road or rail signalling and control systems, designing and testing infrastructure to support autonomous and connected vehicles, and delivering operational solutions using augmented reality or artificial intelligence. You will also have the opportunity to ensure that our systems and assets are secure from cybersecurity attacks as well as to deliver modern communication networks including the rollout of mobile communications across the Underground.

• Electrical Engineering

This covers all aspects of the electrical systems and equipment that keep London's transport system moving. Your placements could include the design of electric drive upgrades for our trains, developing charging infrastructure for London’s incoming electric bus fleet, delivering transformational signalling upgrades or designing power network upgrades for renewable energy connections.

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. Much of what we do, directly contributes to the decarbonisation of London.

Where this career can take you

Our engineers have the opportunity to make a significant impact. After completing the graduate scheme, you will be offered a permanent role in Transport for London’s engineering or technology teams.

In this role you will be expected to continue to develop your career through a variety of assignments across the organisation, taking on increasingly complex challenges as you build core competence in your chosen discipline. Within five years, you can expect to be:

• Taking on greater levels of responsibility

• Leading the delivery of engineering solutions

• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to solve complex technical problems

This progression will support your application for Chartered Engineer status.

Many of our graduate alumni have gone on to contribute to major infrastructure programmes, advance innovation in transport systems, and take on strategic roles that shape the future of London. Several have progressed into senior engineering leadership and joined the wider leadership of the organisation. The graduate scheme is a launchpad for a career that transforms how London moves and how Transport for London operates.

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 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

• Chartered IMechE mentor: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and mentoring towards chartership 

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

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 Graduates Application Process

If you already hold your qualification certificates, please upload copies of these to your application. If you are due to sit final exams or need to replace any certificates, these must be provided at a later stage.