General Management Degree Apprentice Review

by Transport for London

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I do 6-month placements in different areas. So far I have worked in health & safety, commercial development (property), consulting & international operations (looking at other countries transport networks and offering advice) and London Underground operations (working at a tube station).

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have taken part in a wide range of training, from suicide prevention to presentation skills. TfL offer lots of training resources.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my programme because it is rotational. There are placements that I have enjoyed more than others, but that's the beauty of it - you can learn what area you would like to work within, in the long term.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Very well organised - 4 days a week at work, 1 day a week (Fridays) at university. It is structured but also flexible in that if you are struggling to meet university deadlines TfL offer 15 days of flexible study leave to take whenever you need it.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Lots of support available - you have a line manager which supports you throughout the scheme. Then placement managers which support you for the duration of your placement. Plus a 'buddy', which is an apprentice usually in the year above that also supports you.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Recently our training provider has changed from Pearson Business School to University of Kent. Pearson generally are okay in terms of support, but University of Kent seem to have a wide range of support available as they are a larger univeristy.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I have definitely applied learning from university and applied it to work - particularly project management as that module provided a range of resources to assist with project management within the workplace. I have also applied my learning from work into my coursework as examples so works both ways.

9/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There is lots of committees that hold forums and networking events, a few examples include: Graduate & Apprentice Committee, General Management Committee, Schemes Mental Health Committee, Women's Staff Networking Group etc. There's a football club too.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The fact it is rotational, good salary, free travel and a fully paid for degree are definitely factors but TfL is a great employer that offers lots of support. They are keen to keep hold of apprentices and there is lots of career development opportunities.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?

Research the company ahead of your interview. I went to lots of assessment centres for different schemes just to gain an understanding of how they work and to become more comfortable with the process. Lastly, your personality needs to shine through as it is a competitive scheme.