Transport Planning Apprentice Review

I am a transport planning apprentice at TfL. my apprenticeship is split up into 4 different placements all lasting 6 months each. My current placement involves liaising with boroughs and other key stakeholders, attending meetings and producing reports. It is also split into two different teams to ensure that I gain all the relevant experience. I have also been given my own project to look after. My day can include replying to emails, writing reports, analysing data and information, attending meetings or going on site visits. My apprenticeship also involves going to a college in Leeds.

As mentioned previously, I attend a college in Leeds to complete my apprenticeship. I study all aspects of transport planning, which helps me with my day to day job. I also have attended lots of internal training courses like assertiveness skills, equality and inclusion and note taking skills. I am also booked on to an Urban Design London course which looks at creating enjoyable places for people. Ever since starting this job I have improved my communication skills, presentation skills and my confidence has grown tremendously.

I really enjoy this apprenticeship as I get to meet a lot of new people every day. As my apprenticeship consists of placement I am with a new team every 6 months, which I like as I get to make new friends and build strong professional relationships. I also enjoy this apprenticeship as it has a lot to offer. I have learnt a lot since starting it and I am still learning lots every day.

Some people think that apprentices are only given work that is not that important. However, I disagree. At TfL, right from the start, I was given a lot of important work and my contributions to meetings felt valued and appreciated. I have also been given a lot of good feedback from all of my placement managers and my line manager.

I think that this apprenticeship is very structured. It began with an induction week with all of the apprenticeships and then became more specific to transport planning as the week went on. I have had a lot of support from all of my managers and tutors at college. As mentioned previously, I have attended lots of different training sessions. At the start of the apprenticeship it could of been a bit more organised (for example information about the college wasn't clear) but considering it was the first year it had ran it was ran well.

At the start of the apprenticeship the college had not employed a tutor and there was not enough support (in my opinion). However, for our third visit to the college in March a tutor had been employed plus more transport planning staff. The college is extremely helpful and supportive now.

At TfL, I receive a lot of support from many different channels. I have my placement managers (current and past), my line manager, my sponsor and my apprentice manager. If I have a general HR problem I would also receive helpful guidance from the HR department. I also receive support from the other apprentices at TfL and colleagues I have met throughout my apprenticeship. I always have someone to contact if I need to.

The cost of living and working in London is very expensive. I currently live in Hertfordshire and commute in so living costs are not as high as they would be if I lived in London. However, I do wish to move to London soon but I need to make sure that I could afford to do so on my current salary. Daily costs and social costs are also high when working in London. I do budget each month and try and save so I can move out but it does prove rather difficult considering all the living, travel, social and daily costs I have to pay for. I do, however, think that the salary for this apprenticeship is very good.

I have received a few emails about work-related events (CIHT) outside of work time but they are not local or free. In terms of social activities at TfL I regularly meet up with the other apprentices or join my team for a drink after work on a Friday. Other than that, I have not seen any other notices about activities at TfL.

Yes

In my opinion it is one of the best organisations for apprentices as it is well structured as has a lot of experience with apprenticeships. They are also very supportive and want you to succeed as much as you do.

Take your time when answering questions online. Some tests are timed but it is important that you read the question and aim to get the question right not to try and finish quickly with the risk of making a mistake. Be yourself and relax. It is important to show your personality in the interview and at the assessment day. Make sure you research the apprenticeship and make sure it is the one for you.