Transport planning technician Apprentice Review

The apprenticeship consists of four 6 month placements where you move around the business learning about the different areas of transport planning. Currently i'm working on effectively delivering the HS2 project in Euston, without major delays to buses and the wider TfL network. The MTS plays a major role in all work we do at TfL.

Using data analysis tools in excel has really broadened my understanding of how to use excel and how to construct my own analysis tools in the future. Another vital skill developed is creating spreadsheets embedded with formulas. Learning how to build research reports and presentations has helped me progress in my role.

I am really enjoying the programme so far due to the impacts that we have on peoples day to day commutes i.e. a safety scheme we implemented at Euston (banning movements, increasing signal timings for pedestrians and increasing space for pedestrians on walkways) has potentially saved commuters from injury or death.

Despite it being relatively new, i believe the organisers have done well to integrate apprentices into teams and then integrate them into their 2nd placement teams later on. We have set catch-ups with sponsors to discuss what we are doing in our placements as well as set Leeds blocks( A full year of leeds blocks are given out at the end of September). Due to the course being relatively new you can find yourself in a placement that no one has done before - this can be difficult however due to the amount of people supporting you; this shouldn't be an issue.

There is lots of support from sponsers of the scheme/ placements mangers/ line managers , Leeds(on hand 24/7) and HR. As well as this at your desk you will have a desk phone which can be used to contact any of the above. Leeds also offer extra sessions after college if your struggling with the workload.

Leeds pride themselves with having a high pass rate for there course. Currently after 4 years of the course there has only been one failure. This is testament to the hard work they do there. Leeds also offer sessions after college if they believe you are struggling or if you want extra tutoring.

I feel the qualification gives me a greater understanding of how to use certain tools in my job. The qualification will especially help you in your modelling placement as it gives you are in depth understanding of how to use modelling tools. Sometimes the qualification may feel repetitive. I personally feel that learning on the job is better however i have learnt a lot about transport in Leeds.

There a load of events you can attend at TfL. Some of them will be related to your area of the business and some of which will be related to TfL as a whole. Graduate and apprentice events are available to attend every 2 to 3 months. Here you will be able to network with other graduates/apprentices and guest speakers.

Yes

TfL help to nurture your career and provide the right support needed for you to have a very successful career. TfL's inclusive nature gives everyone an opportunity to succeed without any discrimination. For me its the literal impacts we have on TfL's network and the fact that our schemes can actually save peoples lives or help increase peoples life expectancy(lower pollution).

Being able to speak your mind without worrying what others might say is key. TfL are looking for people that meet their core behaviours and people that are confident, ambitious and innovative. I would also say that before applying do research on what transport planning is and whether you would like to do it for 2-3 years.