Thank you for your interest in applying for this TfL Apprenticeship Scheme.
The application will contain a series of questions to establish your eligibility. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.
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 Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.
Boatmaster Apprenticeship
The 2-year Boatmaster Level 3 Apprenticeship covers a wide range of commercial activity on inland tidal and non-tidal waterways in the UK. Boatmasters often navigate vessels through busy and highly challenging waterways. Career opportunities are extensive - for instance, a Boatmaster could be the captain of a single vessel passenger boat or could be working for a large freight operator, responsible for safely moving freight up the river to a port.
Quote
“I think this programme is important because there are untapped skills and a workforce waiting to meet its potential due to a previous lack of awareness and advice. People like me were not aware of the avenues and opportunities relating to the marine industry, simply because we may not know anyone or have any generational background. The apprenticeship offered by TfL is a step towards building a new external talent base and upskilling internal candidates to progress in their careers.”
Mumin Malik – Woolwich Ferry’s first BML Apprentice
Salary - £25,294
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
- 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
Location
London/ Hybrid
You will have to travel outside of London for training blocks throughout the apprenticeship
Duration 24 months
Entry Requirements
- English and Maths to GCSE (or equivalent) grade C or 4. If not, SeaRegs will assist you in gaining these qualifications during the Apprenticeship.
- MCA's ENG1 medical before the start date. (This will be refunded if successful and start your role TfL)
Proposed start date
8 th September 2025
Job Overview
You will gain the following knowledge; onboard health and safety law, good knowledge and maintenance of ropework, access and lifting gear, seamanship, navigation and passage planning including radar usage, anchoring, knowledge of International Maritime Organisation Conventions, company bridge procedures, emergency regulations, all aspects of ship manoeuvrability, propulsion, steering and obstacles (locks, docks and bridges) including tides and poor weather. Onboard communication systems and methods, legislation of vessel construction and operation, maintenance of deck machinery and factors that affect seaworthiness.General engineering practice and procedures and pollution legislation. Also included is equality and diversity legislation, awareness of the employer’s business objectives to ensure that the vessel contributes to the business.
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.
What will I be doing?
As an apprentice, your two year development programme will be made up of many placement rotations which will work around your formal training outside of London. 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 What Yours Could Look Like
Placement 1 – Introduction to Woolwich Ferry and Transport for London
Placement 2 – Introduction to Woolwich Ferry shoreside operations
Placement 3 – Introduction to deck operations
Where can this career take me?
- A Bridge Officer at Woolwich Ferry
- A Bridge Officer on commercial vessels on inland waterways
- If you chose to do so you can continue to develop seagoing qualifications (beyond your time at TfL) you may choose to travel the world at sea
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: 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
Assessment Process
You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.
Please see link on TfL website providing further guidance: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how - to apply - for - apprentice - and - graduate - roles
Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests.
Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from February-April, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee additional dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).
Inclusive Recruitment Process
We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for candidates with a disability. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.
We're a Disability Confident employer, and we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge and experience has been met.
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.
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
Important Information
- Shift Work
- ENG1 Medical
- Block Training 1– 2 weeks outside London for the course of Apprenticeship
What Qualifications will I gain?
Qualifications
Ultimately you will gain a Boatmasters Licence. However, in order to achieve you BML you will achieve the following qualifications on the way:
- MCA AEC Course Certification
- MCA Crisis Management and Human Behaviour
- SQA Radar Certificate
- SQA Electronic Chart Systems Certificate
- RYA/MCA GMDSS Short Range Communications Certificate
- RYA Professional Practices and Responsibilities
- RYA Commercial Endorsement
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 certificate
- RYA Day Skipper theory and practical certificate
- RYA Coastal Skipper theory and hopefully Yachtmaster Coastal CoC
- STCW Elementary First Aid
- STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
- STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness
- STCW Basic Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques
- STCW HELM Operational SQA Level 2 Maritime Studies: Rivers, Inland Waterways & Limited Distances to Sea
Organisation
HR
Job
Boatmaster
Position Type
Full Time
