Non-Destructive testing (NDT) Level 3 Apprenticeship

Transport for London; London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative apprenticeship program with a leading transport organization, where you'll gain hands-on experience in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Over 3.5 years, you'll rotate through various departments, learning essential engineering principles and safety practices. This unique opportunity allows you to work on one of the world's oldest transport networks while embracing cutting-edge technology. With a strong focus on personal development, you'll receive mentorship and training, preparing you for a successful career in engineering. Enjoy excellent benefits, including free travel on the TfL network and a supportive learning environment that values adaptability and teamwork.

Benefits

Free travel on TfL network

Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel

Minimum 29 days annual leave

Retail, health, leisure, and travel offers

Qualifications

• Candidates should hold or be working towards GCSEs in Maths, English, and a STEM subject.
• Must be 18 by September 2025 and provide original certificates.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a 3.5-year development program with rotations around the business.
• Conduct NDT inspections on TfL assets including rolling stock and escalators.

Skills

Engineering principles

Health & safety training

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Teamwork

Customer focus

Education

Minimum 3 GCSEs Grade A* - C or Grade 4 and above

Tools

Magnetic Particle Testing

Penetrant Testing

Ultrasonic Axle Testing

Job description

Job Description - Non-Destructive testing (NDT) Level 3 Apprenticeship (047178)

Organisation

- HR

Job

- LU NDT

Position Type - Full Time

Thank you for your interest in applying for this TfL Apprenticeship Scheme.

We’d like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.

This application will also contain a series of questions to establish whether or not you are eligible. It is important that you take great care in reading and answering these questions as we will not be able to revert your application if an error is made.

Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Apprenticeship schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

Transport for London (TfL) plays an essential role in our city’s development. Our Underground network covers 253 miles, serving 275 stations and carries more than five million passengers per day.

What we offer

You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow:

1. Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
2. Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
3. Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays
4. Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more

Location

London

Duration

3.5 - 4 years

Entry requirements

1. You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 3 GCSE’s Grade A* - C or Grade 4 and above including Maths, English language and a STEM subject.
2. You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have already studied content from the qualification for this scheme.
3. Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
4. You must be 18 by September 2025 to be eligible for this scheme.

Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this apprenticeship scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, hearing test and eyesight tests including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment and Diagnosis tests to determine colour deficiency.

Proposed start date

8th September 2025

Job overview

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system.

The role of a TfL engineering apprentice is critical to ensuring the ongoing performance and safety of our tube network. The technological advancements we are seeing in our signalling and operating infrastructure mean that we need to adapt the way we maintain our assets to keep them operating at peak performance. You’ll be at the forefront of these developments whilst also keeping a watchful eye on our legacy assets across the network.

The role is customer focused and will involve working independently, whilst being part of a team, with the job holder expected to make decisions as to the outcome of NDT inspections on pan TfL assets including rolling stock and lifts and escalator assets.

Advancements in technology are making this role increasingly interesting, you’ll be working on one of the world’s oldest transport networks rolling out the most advanced technology, a truly unique opportunity.

What will I be doing?

As an apprentice, your 3.5 year development programme will be made up of rotations around the business. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:

Year 1

1. The first year is spent settling into Transport for London. You will be mainly learning the fundamental engineering principles plus relevant health & safety training, within the NDT department of Technical Services at Acton Town.
2. You will receive on-the job training from our experienced NDT Engineers and have monthly online training sessions & mentoring throughout the year prior to attending a formal training & examination course at Lavender International, for NDT Level 2 certification in the first of two basic methods.

Year 2 and 3

1. Your second and third year will be a continuation of online training sessions & mentoring, where you will continue learning from our experienced NDT Engineers.
2. You will be expected to follow teams, building up your confidence and practical knowledge.
3. Along with an introduction to the theory and fundamentals of the 2nd basic NDT method followed once again by a formal training and examination course at Lavender International, you will then progress on to learn the theory and fundamentals towards NDT Level 2 certification in at least one complex method.
4. As well as working with the NDT staff you will also have taster placement in Fleet, trams, structures, lifts and escalators.

Year 3

1. Attendance for a formal training & examination course at Lavender International, for NDT Level 2 certification in at least one complex method.
2. Along with the training & mentoring, this year will also include having support with teaching, learning and skills development, project choice and preparation in order to pass an End Point Assessment.

Where can this career take me?

1. Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into NDT Engineering which could lead to further career development opportunities such as Senior Engineering opportunities.
2. You will be encouraged and supported to become a member of the British Institute of NDT.
3. You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses. These will vary from soft skills training, technical skills training, and safety training.

What training and support will you get?

You will be working towards a Level 3 qualification in Non-Destructive Testing Engineering. Typically, you will be provided with training and mentoring and be required to attend a formal training centre for theoretical & practical examination.

Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences and placements. We’ll also support your professional development through a combination of classroom-led training courses, online training courses, mentoring opportunities, and structured networking opportunities. You will receive one-to-one support throughout the programme from your scheme sponsor and your Line Manager. You’ll also be connected to a ‘buddy’ who will be a more experienced apprentice from the scheme.

What do we look for?

Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:

1. Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
2. Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
3. Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

The apprenticeship scheme will involve working flexible hours to include early, late, night and weekend shifts.

Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test.

What Qualifications will I gain?

1. PCN Level 2 Magnetic Particle Testing
2. PCN Level 2 Penetrant Testing
3. PCN Level 1 Ultrasonic Axle Testing

Assessment Process

You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.

Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests.

Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from February-April, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee additional dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).

Inclusive Recruitment Process

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for candidates with a disability. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.

We're a Disability Confident employer, and we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge and experience has been met.

In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria we set is achieving a pass mark in our first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme.

Contact us

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Contact the recruitment team by

Phone: [phone] (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)