Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme 2026

The scheme seeks candidates who are caring about colleagues, customers, and work; open to each other, new ideas, and working together; and adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate.

A minimum of 2:2 MEng or MSc accredited Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related subject. Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme.

Award-winning teams will support ongoing development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. Professional development is supported through training, mentoring, and networking. One-to-one guidance is provided throughout the programme from a placement manager (day-to-day management and support), scheme sponsor (senior manager and adviser), buddy (usually a second-year graduate), and a Chartered IMechE mentor (career coaching and mentoring towards chartership).

TfL values candidates who are:

• Caring about colleagues, customers, and work
• Open to new ideas and collaboration
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

Within five years, graduates should expect to have achieved Chartered Engineer status with the IMechE. In ten years, graduates could be working at Senior Engineer level, as an expert in a technical discipline, responsible for the performance of an engineering team, or informing strategic decisions on designs and processes.

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments to be completed within an allocated time frame. It is highly recommended that the document is read thoroughly to familiarise with the process. If qualification certificates are already held, copies should be uploaded to the application. If final exams are due to be sat or certificates need to be replaced, these must be provided at a later stage.

Information and guidance will be provided around each assessment stage as the application progresses. Close attention should be paid to emails and deadlines, noting there is 1 week to complete online assessments and these tests cannot be re-issued once the deadline passes. Assessment centres for graduates and intern roles will take place from December-January, and many roles only have 1 assessment day and alternative dates cannot be guaranteed. Assessment centres are conducted in person and virtually (role dependent).

TfL is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. The aim is to represent the city served, which will help become a more innovative and efficient organisation. TfL is a disability confident employer who guarantees an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria. In high volume campaigns, the minimum criteria set is achieving a pass mark in the first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments can be requested for any stage of the application process.

Contact the recruitment team by phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30) or email: EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk