General Management Apprentice Review

My apprenticeship involves 6-month, rotational placements in different areas of the business. Currently, I work in the Road User Charging department as an Ops and Dev officer carrying out a number of tasks including asset management, creating presentations, confirming PCNs for vehicles, attending meetings and stakeholder meetings and much more.

I have learnt a significant number of new skills such as using different types of computer programs, asset management, project management, stakeholder management, etc. and have developed existing skills including my communication, presentation and team leadership skills and all of this has been attained in just my first placement with 7 more to go meaning there's a lot more to learn and develop.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme I'm on and believe it's perhaps the best degree apprenticeship available in the UK. TfL is an absolutely fantastic company to work for with very friendly staff who really make the atmosphere so great to work in. The programme has variety and allows me to work in a number of different areas from operations to project management to finance and commercial management which means I can pick up many different skills making me indispensable to the company.

There is a clear and organized structure that is in place making it easy to know what happens next and being able to plan things such as annual leave accordingly. Each year is split up into two 6-month placements which each have an overarching theme/particular skill to learn whilst in.

All levels and forms of support are available to us if needed ranging from support from our managers all the way to professional mental and/or physical health support. TfL provide therapists for mental help and also physiotherapists for physical needs and also have their own health centre where medical assessments can be carried out.

All levels and forms of support are available from our training provider, Pearson College London, who have support channels in place if and when needed. There's a student helpline available for when you're feeling stressed out and there are also study support sessions and feedback sessions if you wish to raise any concerns/areas for improvement.

Studying for my qualification grants me an understanding of working practices in my role and allows me to implement the theory that I learn at University which gives me an edge in my role. I've gained an understanding for business as a whole which makes it easier to understand business decisions and the need for them making it easier to relate to my role.

There are many staff network groups within TfL that host a number of activities including sports, social gatherings and other such events. These events occur regularly and there's always something going on at least once a week, if not every day. All members of staff are welcome to join whichever and however many network groups they'd like and can attend any events hosted.

Yes

TfL is a fantastic company to work for made up of fantastic people with a very nice and relaxed atmosphere. There are loads of things to get involved in outside your role and there are many benefits to working for the company including discounts at many retailers and free travel in London!

Do plenty of research into the company especially the main challenges facing TfL. Understand yourself, your abilities and capabilities and your motivations for joining the company and be prepared to talk about these with examples of skills in practice. Most importantly, act natural and be yourself because assessors are very good at seeing through any unnatural behavior and "displays" put on.