Job Overview
London Underground plays an essential role in the city's development. The network covers 253 miles, serves 275 stations, and carries more than five million passengers per day.
The role of a London Underground engineering apprentice is critical in ensuring the ongoing performance and safety of the tube network. With technological advancements in trains and operating infrastructure, the way assets are maintained must continuously evolve to ensure peak performance. Apprentices will be at the forefront of these developments while also ensuring that legacy assets across the network remain fully operational.
Sustainability
Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, ensuring that the organisation operates in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world.
What Will You Be Doing?
Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn from experienced and qualified staff through various placements across the organisation, gaining a broad spectrum of knowledge with a hands-on approach to learning.
As a London Underground Electrical Apprentice, individuals will work alongside competent teams to ensure that DLO Electrical Assets are maintained and delivered into service in a safe and timely manner. The apprenticeship will involve placements across a range of departments within the Electrical Division, providing experience in how the department functions.
During the programme, apprentices will:
- Learn how to read Electrical and Mechanical Drawings
- Be trained to write reports and conduct fault-finding analysis
- Understand and apply principles, practices, and legislation related to the termination and connection of conductors, cables, and cords in electrical systems
- Learn how to prepare and install wiring systems and electrotechnical equipment in buildings and structures
Nature of Work:
- Gather information
- Report findings
- Assemble tools, equipment, and materials
- Check tools, equipment, and materials for fitness for purpose
- Deal promptly and effectively with problems within their control
- Report any deviations that cannot be resolved
- Follow the correct process/operations for the allocated task
- Establish and maintain communication with relevant persons
- Correctly determine the scope and accuracy of testing
- Carry out required testing using correctly assessed equipment and methods
- Take action to rectify defective assets
- Hand over assets in accordance with company procedures
- Complete documentation in line with company procedures
Where Can This Career Take You?
This apprenticeship is just the starting point of a career, with endless opportunities for growth. Apprentices may choose to progress onto a higher-level apprenticeship or transition into roles such as Senior Technician - Asset Performance - Stations.
Additionally, many directors at London Underground began their careers as apprentices, demonstrating the potential for career development up to senior management positions.
What Does TfL Look for in Candidates?
TfL’s talented apprentices form a vital part of the organisation's vision. It is essential to find the best people to help achieve this.
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Analytical and logical thinking
- A commitment to continuous learning
- Creativity and innovation
- Attention to quality and detail
- Strong teamwork skills
- A sense of responsibility, accountability, and ownership
- The ability to embrace change and drive innovation
Core Values
TfL values candidates who are:
- Caring – About colleagues, customers, and their work
- Open – To new ideas, teamwork, and collaboration
- Adaptable – Willing to innovate and adjust to diverse needs
- Training & Support
Apprentices will have an Apprenticeship Development Manager, who will act as a line manager, ensuring that the design and delivery of the apprenticeship is fit for purpose. They will help secure suitable placements and provide ongoing professional support.
A mentor will also be assigned to support and guide apprentices, sharing industry knowledge and expertise.
Additional training opportunities will be available, covering:
- Soft skills development
- Technical skills training
Apprentices will also have access to TfL’s Graduate and Apprentice Committee and Alumni Group, which provide valuable networking and career development opportunities. Many apprentices have found these networks to be powerful support systems, frequently organising apprentice-only events to aid in continued learning.
What Qualifications Will You Gain?
Apprentices will complete the following qualifications/training:
- Six months at Acton to complete the PEO unit, covering Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic, and Hand Skills workshops
- City & Guilds 2365 Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures, and the Environment)
- City & Guilds 2392 Certificate in Fundamental Inspection, Testing, and Initial Verification
- 2391-52 Level 3 Award in Inspection and Testing
Assessment Process
Candidates will receive support and information throughout each assessment stage.
Please see link on TfL website providing further guidance:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles
- Assessments must be completed within one week – re-issues are not possible.
- Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from February to April.
- Some assessment centres will be held in person, while others will be conducted virtually (depending on the role).
Inclusive Recruitment Process
TfL operates a transparent recruitment process, ensuring that candidates with disabilities are not disadvantaged. Reasonable adjustments can be provided at any stage of the application process.
As a Disability Confident Employer, TfL guarantees interviews for candidates who meet the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge, and experience.
For high-volume recruitment (including Graduate, Apprentice, and Intern roles), the minimum criteria typically involve achieving a pass mark in the first stage assessments.
What TfL Offers
Apprentices will enjoy excellent benefits and long-term career prospects, including:
- Free travel on the TfL network for the apprentice and one nominated person living in the same household
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
- Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro-rata, depending on role) plus public and bank holidays
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work scheme
- Retail, health, leisure, and travel discounts
Entry Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold or be working towards a minimum of two GCSEs (A-C / Grade 4 or above)* (or equivalent), including Maths and English Language.
- Not already hold or be undertaking the same Apprenticeship Standard elsewhere.
- Be 18 years old by 8th September 2025.
Medical Requirements:
If successful, offers will be subject to a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include:
- Drugs and alcohol screening
- Hearing test
- Eyesight tests, including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment & Diagnosis tests to determine colour deficiency
Contact Information
For any queries or requests for reasonable adjustments, the recruitment team can be contacted via:
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:30)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk