Traffic Infrastructure Apprentice Review

Apprentice Traffic Control Engineer My role focuses on traffic signal controller junctions and crossings in London. Day to day I'm involved in the design and timings used at these junctions. This could involve upgrading sites to the latest technology, making changes to how existing junctions or crossings work, or building new junctions or crossing for new developments.

My apprenticeship with TfL has seen me gain a number of different skills. Through my time in college I have learnt electrical and mechanical engineering skills. In my work day to day in the office I have learnt new skills related to the operation of traffic signals, as well as organizational and presentation orientated skills.

I find my apprenticeship very rewarding. In my role I get to design the changes that for signal controlled junctions/crossings and will be involved in nearly all processes from the design stage right the way through to seeing the changes made out on street. I get to see the hard work I put in during my time in the office transpire into a physical change out on street. I work in a very supportive team of other engineers who are willing to help/answer any questions or queries I may have during my job day to day.

I feel very valued by my team at TfL. I'm given plenty of work to get stuck into with my efforts recognized by my managers. I've been able to help on projects I have a particular interest in, as well as getting to work on a wide variety of schemes with in traffic infrastructure. I get to take part in team/department meetings and get to participate in training courses/days relevant to my role at TfL.

My apprenticeship programme is well structured typically with 4 week blocks spent at college and the rest of the time spent in the office. In a college block release we will focus on one particular subject and see that through before returning to the office to carry on with our day to day roles. We have regular meetings with managers/mentors at TfL to see how we're progressing both in the office and at college. In the office we are given a number of different schemes to work on allowing us to gain experience and knowledge on traffic control systems.

Our training providers offers many support options. There are English and maths classes for those who may need them. Teaching staff are by and large very knowledgeable in the subject they are teaching. The majority have spent a lot of time working in the industry they are delivering education on, be it electrical installation, mechanical engineering or design. This allows them to assist us and answer are questions on the courses being offered by the college.

In the office we have regular meetings with our managers/mentors to see how we are progressing both with college work and our work in the office. We also regularly meet the head of apprenticeships to discuss any concerns with any aspect of the TfL apprenticeship programme. When working in the office we are able to seek advice and support from our colleagues with regards to our day to day work.

Salary/package at TfL is very competitive for apprenticeship schemes. Providing you have met the performance expected of you during your apprenticeship apprentices will see a pay rise at their annual appraisal. Travel costs are dependent on your location, free travel is offered on the TfL network, however the chosen college is located outside of London. If you are able to reach the college via public transport some of this additional cost can be subsidized. However, if like myself, you choose to drive from home to college, you will be responsible for your own (fuel) costs.

TfL have a number of groups such as fitness and lifestyle groups open to staff to take part in. Apprenticeship and graduate days are held throughout the year where apprentices get the chance to meet other apprentices from elsewhere in the business. They also get the chance to hear from other members of staff from around the business to learn about the different aspects of TfL. Apprentices are also offered the chance to help TfL promote their apprenticeship schemes by joining them at school presentation/involvement days.

Yes

The TfL apprenticeship scheme offers a fantastic opportunity for young (or older - like myself) people to get into a career in transport in one of the greatest cities in the world. You get to learn a variety of new skills from the college courses which will see you gain a BTEC qualification. You also get to learn new skills related to the area of TfL you apply to work in. I have learnt a lot about traffic control systems - something I don't think I could have done any other way. On top of this, the apprenticeship allows you to earn as you learn!

Do your research into the roles TfL have to offer. As it's such a large organization there are roles from HR & Finance to Traffic Infrastructure & Quantity Surveying. Once you've found a role you'd like to apply for try and find out more about it online ready for your interview. Try and find some quirky/interesting facts about London/TfL to have handy for your interview. An apprenticeship at TfL is just the first step in your career, once on board TfL are very supportive and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to try other roles within TfL.