More than 260 graduates, apprentices and interns joined TfL in September, working across the organisation in more than 50 different schemes including engineering, technology and human resources. By creating innovative development programmes and introducing newcomers to award-winning teams, TfL has given this year’s cohort the opportunity to gain unique skills and experiences whilst working on projects central to the daily operation of the capital.TfL's graduate, apprentice and intern schemes attract a diverse range of candidates from different backgrounds and interests and has been successful in attracting candidates from a range of backgrounds that are traditionally under-represented within the transport sector. In September 2023, the percentage of women starting TfL graduate schemes was 42 per cent, and the percentage of people from ethnic minority backgrounds starting TfL apprenticeships increased to 58 per cent. The number of graduates and interns from an ethnic minority background has also increased to 60 per cent in the last year1, which is significantly above London’s working population (36 per cent)2.This year, TfL introduced its first sustainability graduate and apprenticeship schemes, reflecting its ambition to be the green heartbeat of London and support a greener, healthier, more sustainable London. Guided by a strong network of sustainability professionals across the organisation, participants will be progressing TfL’s sustainability goals, identifying improvements and developing new tools and practices to further drive progress towards a net-zero transport network.As TfL grows, new projects and developments such as new trains on the Piccadilly line and Docklands Light Railway, as well as a wide range of walking and cycling improvements across the city, have all increased the need for young talent. These new starters to the transport industry will get the opportunity to work on these world-class initiatives, as well as support the day-to-day operations that keep London moving.
Fiona Brunskill, TfL’s Chief People Officer said: “This is a particularly exciting time to join TfL as we work on becoming the strong green heartbeat of London and supporting the capital’s sustainable recovery following the pandemic. Every graduate, apprentice and intern who joins us brings their own unique perspective and contribution enabling us to achieve our goals in delivering a sustainable and inclusive transport system for London.
“Through our programmes we are investing in people who are starting or changing their career by giving them the opportunity to work alongside some of the UK's best and most experienced experts in their field.”
Katy Munford, TfL Corporate Finance Graduate: “As a lifelong Londoner who was obsessed with everything Tube-related when growing up, I could not have been more excited when I got the call to say I’d been offered a place on the Finance Graduate Scheme at TfL. Working for a company such as TfL, offers the opportunity to do truly meaningful and rewarding work for the people of London, and its commitment to sustainability and the environment was an important factor in my application, as I wanted to work for a company that is environmentally and socially conscious.”
Lily Morl, TfL Recruitment Resourcer Apprentice: “Being able to have connections with other apprentices and grads on different schemes has been a great support network. In my first week, I met so many different people from various schemes during corporate and local induction and the whole TfL team has been so welcoming. It’s been incredibly nice to walk into an office where you are greeted with so many smiles!”
In 2023, TfL was awarded the Times Graduate Employer of Choice for Transportation and Logistics, as voted for by final year undergraduate students, and since 2007 TfL has won this award 11 times.