Mechanical Engineering Year in Industry Internship 2026

Skills are developed through placements and training, including 3D Computer-Aided Design, risk simulations, track inspections, root-cause analysis, maintenance inspections, and technology updates. Collaboration, problem-solving, and technical expertise are essential.

Applicants need to be in their penultimate year of MEng or MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent subject and on track to receive a minimum of 2:2. The academic qualification must be accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Offers for this graduate scheme are subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test. 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 support ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. Professional development is supported through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.

One-to-one guidance is provided throughout the programme from:

• Placement manager: Responsible for day-to-day management and support with development
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility
• Buddy: Usually a second-year graduate who gives support and ensures that the intern feels welcomed in the organisation
• Chartered IMechE mentor: Supports professional development through providing 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

Mechanical engineers have the chance to create a huge impact. A career with TfL is varied and exciting, with opportunities across TfL Engineering. During this internship, meaningful and valuable work experience is gained which supports the ongoing career journey towards becoming a fully qualified Chartered Engineer. At the end of the placement, there may be the opportunity to be considered for a graduate position through the fast-track process.

Only one application for any of the Graduate schemes per year is allowed. Any subsequent applications are withdrawn.

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which need to be completed within an allocated time frame. It is highly recommended that this document is read thoroughly so that the process can be familiarised.

If qualification certificates are already held, copies should be uploaded to the application. If final exams are due or certificates need to be replaced, these must be provided at a later stage.

Information and guidance around each assessment stage is provided as the application progresses. Close attention should be paid to emails and deadlines provided 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 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 TfL become a more innovative and efficient organisation. The goal is to make recruitment as inclusive as possible. 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 including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment 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.

TfL should be informed if any reasonable adjustments are required for any stages of the application process.

Contact details
The recruitment team can be contacted by:
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)
Email: EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk