Job Overview
The Signals Maintenance Teams at London Underground provide a 24-hour, 365-day service, ensuring the safe operation of signalling systems across the network. Their work includes:
- Emergency call-outs
- Preventative and corrective maintenance
- Fault rectification
The incident team is responsible for real-time fault management, ensuring that any signalling issues are identified and resolved efficiently to keep London moving.
Since 1863, London Underground has relied on signalling systems to ensure the safety of passengers and the efficient operation of trains. With ongoing upgrades to signalling systems across the network, now is an exciting time to join this apprenticeship scheme.
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?
London Underground operates one of the busiest metro systems in the world, consisting of 11 lines, 272 stations, and carrying over one billion customers annually. A reliable signalling system is crucial to ensuring that trains run safely and at full capacity.
As a Signals Apprentice, individuals will follow a structured training programme that, if successfully completed, can lead to a long-term career within TfL’s signals department. This programme combines:
- A Level 3 Apprenticeship in Rail Engineering
- Advanced Signalling Courses
The apprenticeship is designed to prepare individuals for a career as a Technical Officer in the signalling department.
Programme Overview
Year 1
- Introduction to London Underground and Engineering Fundamentals
- Training in fundamental engineering principles at TfL’s partner college in Enfield
- Track safety training, enabling apprentices to operate safely around signalling systems in depots
Year 2 - Practical experience in the operational side of the business
- Shadowing experienced teams, progressively building confidence and expertise
- Rotations across depots, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how the signals department operates
- Continuing fundamental engineering training at Enfield College
- Developing mechanical, electrical, and hand tool skills
Year 3
- Further practical experience in the operational environment
- Internal London Underground Signal Courses, preparing apprentices for their Technical Officer role
Year 4
- Continued rotations through placements and courses
- Completion of knowledge assessments and practical work documentation
- Final endorsement by an external engineering institute
- Job interview for a Technical Officer position
Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be supported in obtaining relevant licences to become a member of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE).
Where Can This Career Take You?
Throughout the apprenticeship, professional and personal development will be closely monitored to ensure apprentices meet required industry standards.
If successfully completed, this apprenticeship is just the beginning of a career in signals engineering. Career progression opportunities include:
- Technical Officer
- Signals Maintenance Manager
- Signals Infrastructure Manager
- Head of Signals
Many of TfL’s senior signals management team began their careers through this very apprenticeship scheme, progressing to executive-level positions.
Training & Support
Throughout the scheme, apprentices will receive technical and professional support, including:
- On-the-job training and placements
- Classroom-led and online training courses
- Mentoring opportunities
- Structured networking events
- One-to-one support from a Scheme Sponsor and Line Manager
- A buddy system with a more experienced apprentice
What TfL Offers
Apprentices will enjoy excellent benefits and long-term career development opportunities, 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
- Be 18 years old by 8th September 2025
- Not already hold or be undertaking the same Apprenticeship Standard elsewhere
Medical Requirements
Successful candidates will be required to pass a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include:
- Drugs and alcohol screening
- Hearing test
- Eyesight test, including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment & Diagnosis tests
Important Information
The apprenticeship scheme requires working flexible hours, including early, late, night, and weekend shifts.
Work Location
There are 12 depots where apprentices may be placed, typically located at the end of London Underground lines. Placements can last for up to four months in each location.
Assessment Process
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
Inclusive Recruitment Process
TfL operates a transparent and inclusive recruitment process. 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.
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