MEP Electrical Apprentice Review

I am an MEP electrical apprentice working on the maintenance of the Elizabeth line. As an MEP apprentice we will go around the Elizabeth line and carry out testing and inspecting, fault finding and repairs on any electrical assets in the stations that are within the central operating system of the Elizabeth line.

Due to COVID 19 we have had a delay so I have not started my work placements. However rather than just sitting and waiting around TFL have provided us with e-learning courses as well as site visits to different areas of the business. They have kept us engaged with the business at every stage which taught us more about our specific roles. Because of this I have learnt new things about my role that I didn’t know before.

As of now the scheme has been fantastic. I got the chance to meet high level individuals from the company. The commissioner , chief technology officer, finance director and many more people who gave up their time to give us fruitful insight about the company and what our roles mean for London. We also got to do virtual escape rooms which was really cool.

My scheme is structured very well even despite the pandemic. I was able to do my medical checks and inductions without any problems. I am also attending college once a week. There is a lot of work that I have to do but my work schedule is very flexible which is nice and it’s something TFL place high value on.

TFL provide an insane amount of support. Whenever I need help I can go to various different people without having to worry. I have separate monthly 1-1s with my manager as well as my scheme advisor were I get the chance to talk about how I am finding my role and progression.

I have been with my training provider for 3 weeks now. My teacher is very supportive and the college has a big library where I can loan free books in regards to my qualification. There are many open spaces areas where I can use computers and books to further improve my learning in my free time which is a bonus.

My training provider teaches me the theory work and soon some practical skills needed for my role. This training gives me an insight on what kind of work I will be expected to carry out when I go out on my work placements. I can bring my knowledge that I have learnt from my training provider and develop it further when I am on site.

TFL have what’s called a graduate and apprentice committee. They set up many different cool events throughout the year. For example they have set up a mental health meeting where we get to listen to and ask questions to specialists. They are also many different societies you can be apart of such as religion, LGBT, Disabilities and many more. These are cool because you get to meet people from the company who have similar interests as you.

Yes

TFL have treated me with excellent care. They have welcomed me into the company with a fantastic induction and have given me the chance to meet many different colleges from different areas of the business. From the first day I felt I was already apart of the TFL family. I get help at every stage, I got provided extra learning material as well as a laptop. TFL really invest a lot in their employees to be happy and do well.

When applying to TFL the best advice I can give is be yourself and be honest. TFL has zero tolerance on discrimination so don’t feel like your not good enough. TFL give everyone the same equal chance so when you apply don’t hold back TFL want to know as much as they can about you so be confidant and and don’t be SHY!