For Employers
Procurement and Commercial Level 4 Apprenticeship


Transport for London
LondonLocation
London
11 hours ago
Posted date
11 hours ago
N/A
Minimum level
N/A
Full-timeEmployment type
Full-time
BuyerJob category
Buyer
Please note: This role may close soon depending on the level of interest so don't miss out!

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 scheme per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

Procurement and Commercial Apprenticeship

Learning faster. Seeing further.

What makes us different?

Get involved in managing contracts with over 3,000 suppliers and a yearly spend of around £6bn.

Salary

£28,380 per annum

What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
  • Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
  • Discounted National Rail and Eurostar travel
  • Defined pension contribution scheme
  • Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays.
  • Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
  • Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more

Duration

2 years and 3 months

Location

London/hybrid working minimum of 50% of your time spent working from the office. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements).

Entry requirements

You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 2 A*-D A-Levels (or equivalent) and 2 GCSEs Grade 4 (C) or equivalent including Maths and English Language.

You're 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.

You must be 18 years of age by 7th September 2026 to be eligible for this scheme.

Required entrance criteria are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change due to retendering of apprenticeship training provision.

What Qualifications will I gain?

Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

Apprentice Standard

Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Proposed Start Date

7th September 2026

Procurement and Commercial Apprenticeship Overview

TfL spends billions of pounds every year operating the network. It is the Procurement & Commercial (P&C) function who are responsible for planning, sourcing, implementing and managing contractual relationships with suppliers.

This means we need to work closely with our expert operational colleagues to understand the requirement, decide how we should source it, run a procurement, agree a contract and manage the supplier relationship. You'll learn how to navigate the complexities of Public Sector procurement, negotiate with suppliers whilst developing professional competencies. All of this will build the foundations of a fantastic career in P&C.

On the P&C Apprenticeship Scheme you can work in a number of different departments. You can gain expertise in procuring cutting edge technology, to maintaining established Underground lines, delivering new trains, major construction projects, travel, marketing, electricity, highway maintenance, station upgrades and much, much more.

Underpinning all of our activity is the need to support the Mayor of London's vision to create a better quality of life for all of its communities now and in the future. P&C takes the lead on a significant Responsible Procurement agenda focusing on skills, diversity, ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability to help realise that vision.

TfL P&C Purpose

To make a significant and lasting positive impact on every TfL asset and service, every supplier and supply market, and every colleague, to support moving London forward safely, inclusively and sustainably.

TfL P&C Ambition

To be a globally recognised Procurement and Commercial function delivering creative commercial solutions and attracting the best people and suppliers.

What will I be doing?

As an apprentice, your 2-year 3-month development programme will be made up of four placement rotations. 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 the type of placements on offer:

Year 1

Placement 1 - P&C Utilities - 6 months

Working in the Utilities Team procuring the electricity that runs the London Underground and Rail networks. You'd be working on Early Market Engagement and meeting with potential suppliers to understand how TfL can get the best deal possible on its procurements.

Placement 2 - P&C London Underground Fleet - 6 months

Working within the Fleet Team, procuring specialist parts to keep the trains running on the network. This could include train wheels, motors and doors. Without this vital work, trains could be taken out of action which causes delays to customers.

Year 2

Placement 3 - P&C Technology - 6 months

Working on the Contract Management of TfL's Microsoft contract to ensure 30,000 TfL users have access to all of the systems they need to do their jobs effectively. You'd also be working on the procurement of our bus intelligence systems that help tell our passengers when their buses are going to arrive.

Placement 4 - P&C Capital Highways - 9 months

Contract management of surface transport contracts such as Cycle Hire, Taxi & Private Hire and the Woolwich Ferry, and supporting the procurement of other contracts and services.

You'll be encouraged to gain well-rounded experience across various P&C teams, with support and guidance from your Sponsor and Scheme Leader who will help you in identifying the most suitable placements for you as an individual. Apprentices are encouraged to tailor the scheme to suit them and seek placement opportunities that are interesting to them.

Sustainability

Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL's work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world. You'll also be able to complete placements that help deliver our green strategy and ensure TfL is a strong, green heartbeat for London.

Where can this career take me?

Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into a Commercial Officer or Assistant Commercial Manager role, dependent on your performance throughout the scheme. This could lead to further career development opportunities such as a Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, Head of Commercial, Commercial Director - there's no ceiling to how high you could aim!

Successfully completing the Level 4 Diploma means you'll become eligible for membership at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

A career in P&C has a lot of scope and is transferrable into both public and private sector organisations. One thing is true of all businesses; Procurement and Commercial is vital activity and will always be required, meaning that this apprenticeship is an excellent foundation for a successful career.

What training and support will you get?

Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.

You'll be working towards a Level 4 qualification in Procurement and Supply. Typically, you'll attend college (online) and complete off the job learning one day a week through remote learning

You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:
  • Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development
  • Scheme Sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
  • Buddy: Usually an Apprentice or Graduate who gives support to you and ensure that you feel welcomed in the organisation
  • Development adviser: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and career progression at TfL

We also have an established Graduate and Apprentice Committee as well as an Alumni group; these groups are powerful networks in developing your understanding of the organisation, different apprenticeship schemes and opportunities to develop your career. Many current graduates and apprentices believe this to be a powerful support network and they often hold apprentice-only events that are very beneficial to your continued learning.

What do we look for?

Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:
  • Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
  • Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
  • Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

Application process

Our application system requires all applicants to upload a CV. Although CVs are not reviewed during the shortlisting process, we do use them to confirm that applicants meet the required grade eligibility criteria. You are welcome to upload a basic CV however, please ensure that the section detailing your qualifications is accurate and up to date. Please note we do not read cover letters.

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process.

Please click on this link for which describes each stage of the Apprentice Application Process

You will receive information and guidance 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 online assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests once the deadline passes.

Assessment centres for apprentice roles will take place from March - May 2026, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee alternative dates. We are conducting assessment centres in-person and virtually (role dependent).

Our city. Made better by you.

TfL is a place that's open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It's a place where you can thrive and achieve. Where you're encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.

Inclusive recruitment process

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.

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.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.

Contact us

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Contact the recruitment team by
• Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)
• Email: earlycareerscampaign@tfl.gov.uk
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JOB SUMMARY
Procurement and Commercial Level 4 Apprenticeship
Transport for London
London
11 hours ago
N/A
Full-time

Procurement and Commercial Level 4 Apprenticeship