What is it?

Created in 2000, Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for almost the entire London transport network. It manages the London Underground, London Buses, riverboat and tram services, the Docklands Light Railway and more than 580km of roads. It regulates taxis and has taken over the running of several overground rail lines. TfL employs about 23,000 staff, serves a population of seven million people and has secured a budget of £40 billion for the next decade.

What jobs are on offer?

TfL is planning to recruit at least 120 graduates in 2009 for its corporate, engineering, technical and project management schemes. There are more than 25 different roles available, including transport planning, electrical engineering, finance, surveying and procurement. Graduates take part in a series of placements lasting up to six months each and are supported through a network of sponsors, mentors, buddies and line managers. Most schemes include the opportunity to gain a professional or postgraduate qualification.

Where are the jobs?

The headquarters for TfL is near St James’s Park in London, but graduate placements take place right across the organisation and in many different locations in the capital.

What’s the pay?

TfL pays graduates a starting salary of £24,500 as well as providing free Oyster travel cards, 30 days’ holiday and membership of the TfL final-salary pension scheme.

What’s the competition?

On average, public sector employers usually receive 25-50 applications per graduate vacancy, but with fewer private sector jobs available, levels may be higher this year.

How is it rated?

TfL was a new entry in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers in 2007 and remains in 89th place this year.

How do I apply?

Recruitment for TfL’s 2009 graduate schemes is well under way and its selection process includes an online application and exercise, a telephone interview and a final round selection event. See www.tfl.gov.uk/graduates.

The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers is based on research with more than 15,000 final-year university students.

www.top100graduateemployers.com

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