Fire Engineering Graduate Scheme London 2024

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

London never stops and the engineering challenge which we face in modernising and upgrading our systems has been likened to undertaking open heart surgery on a patient while they are running a marathon! Our network plays a massive role in ensuring London can become a Net Zero Carbon city and as Engineers we help shape the decisions that will lead to this carbon reduction.

The role

Your work in the fire engineering team will span multiple transport modes, working in multi-disciplinary teams from across TfL with customers, local government, suppliers, consultants and contractors to deliver city-defining programmes and cutting-edge innovations. You will support reliable operation of one of the world's leading transport networks and shape London’s future transport network.

Graduates could be working on fire strategy reports, helping to install new systems, carrying out inspections, completing fire risk assessments and reviewing project designs. This could be on any part of the TfL network, from DLR to the Victoria Line to commercial properties.

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.

As a TfL Graduate Fire Engineer, you would support with the inclusion of new systems and materials to meet TfL’s Sustainability targets and strategy.

What will I be doing

As a graduate, your two-year development programme will be made up of up to eight placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career.

Projects will vary but can include design within multi-disciplines including fire, mechanical, electrical, comms & system design including fire interfaces. The programme will provide you first-hand experience working on sites with construction teams to learn about emergency management, installation of fire related systems and fire interfacing systems. Additionally, you will gain exposure to business operations, procedures network management and emergency procedures throughout the TfL network.

Some example projects which our graduates have previously worked on include:

• Bank Station Capacity Upgrade – A project which is seeing a whole new platform and station box built under the City of London
• Crossrail– Europe’s most complex railway infrastructure project - fire strategy and fire assurance
• Silvertown Tunnel – a new road tunnel under the Thames - Design of Active and Passive Fire protection systems.
• Electric Bus Fire Risk Analysis
• Victoria Coach Station – Upgrade of fire safety systems

We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every graduate’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:

Asset Operations 

3 months - This will expose graduates to the guidance/standards on fire protection systems and equipment (detection, suppression, and compartmentation) on TfL premises, usually London Underground (LU) premises. It provides site-based and desktop-based approaches on how these systems interact and are managed to ensure that TfL premises are safe from the impact of potential fire outbreaks. Graduates will also represent the team during periodic site inspections with the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

Fire Precautions and Compliance 

3 months - Fire plans are integral features of all buildings and play a vital role in providing visual cues of the fire safety strategy. This placement offers graduates a thorough understanding of fire safety measures for various structures based on their use and description.

TTLP

1.5-3 months - TTLP is the commercial property side of TfL, and you will help move London forward with thriving connected places, enhancing the commercial property portfolio and drive revenue for the rest of the organisation. This placement will enable graduates to develop skills in reviewing and producing technical documents such as Fire Strategy Reports, Fire Risk Assessments, DSEAR and more, that set the basis for fire safety requirements control measures for TfL Commercial Property.

During the program, graduates are required to complete three core placements, two of which are recommended for a duration of 3 months each. The third one is suggested to take place within a period of 1.5 to 3 months. In addition to these core placements, graduates are given the option to choose from a range of other placements based on their preferences and area of specialization throughout the scheme.

Where can this career take me

The aim of the programme is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful fire career. Upon completing the scheme, we would expect you to move into one of our fire engineering teams, where you will then continue to develop your career as a fire engineer through your assignments across TfL, progressively taking on more challenging roles as you build your core competence.

Within five years, we would expect you to be taking on increasing responsibility, leading engineering delivery and liaising with internal and external stakeholders to deliver complex engineering solutions. This will in turn facilitate your application for Chartered Engineer status. Graduates go on to undertake engineering management roles on multi-discipline projects of national importance or to lead discipline engineering teams, directly improving the experience of the travelling public and transforming how London moves and how TfL operates.

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 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/Mentor: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and career progression at TfL

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

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
• Final salary pension scheme
• Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
• 30 days Annual leave (Pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays.
• Private healthcare discounted scheme
• Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
• Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more