Job Overview
TfL’s Engineers focus on maintaining and improving the critical assets that form the foundation of the London Underground transport system.
The role of a London Underground Track Apprentice is essential in ensuring the ongoing performance and safety of the tube network. With technological advancements transforming trains and infrastructure, TfL continues to adapt maintenance practices to ensure assets operate at peak performance. Apprentices will be at the forefront of these developments while also overseeing legacy assets across the network.
As part of the apprenticeship, individuals will undertake regular placements across the network, working alongside highly skilled track engineers. They will gain first-hand experience in maintaining one of London Underground’s key assets—the track infrastructure.
London Underground’s track spans over 402km, carrying hundreds of trains daily across the network for 364 days per year. Under constant supervision and as part of a team, apprentices will develop essential track maintenance skills to contribute to fault repair and ongoing maintenance, ensuring a safe and efficient transport service for London.
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?
The two-year development programme will consist of four to five placement rotations, equipping apprentices with a broad range of skills and experiences. TfL recognises that each apprentice’s journey is unique, and the programme is structured to allow for tailored development.
The apprenticeship is structured around:
- Classroom Training at Acton Training Centre
- Placements across the Network
- Operational Training
Throughout the programme, apprentices will rotate across different London Underground lines, gaining experience in both maintenance and inspections.
Key Responsibilities:
- Working as part of a track team to complete essential track maintenance under the supervision of a Site Person in Charge
- Assisting line inspection staff with safety-critical track inspections
- Adhering to strict safety controls and procedures to ensure safe working at all times
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 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
Applicants will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof during eligibility checks.
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
Where Can This Career Take You?
Upon successful completion, apprentices may transition into roles such as:
- Skilled Track Operative
- Track Inspector
- Track Technician
- Site Person in Charge
Additionally, apprentices will have access to further technical training, including:
- Protecting Workers on the Track – Engineering Hours (PWT-EH)
- T001 Training
There will also be opportunities to complete additional training courses, including soft skills development and technical skills training.
Training & Support
Qualifications Gained
Apprentices will work towards a:
- Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative (Competence)
- Level 2 Rail Engineering Operative (Technical Knowledge)
Training will take place at Acton Training Centre, with block release sessions to complete the knowledge component of the apprenticeship.
Additional Support
Throughout the scheme, apprentices will receive:
- 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 Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks candidates who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Willingness to Learn
- Highly Motivated
- Enthusiastic
Core Values
TfL values candidates who are:
- Caring – About colleagues, customers, and their work
- Open – To new ideas, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Adaptable – Willing to innovate and adjust to evolving challenges
Candidates will be given responsibility and the opportunity to make an impact from an early stage. Those who are excited by the prospect of influencing the future of London’s transport network are encouraged to apply.
Important Information
Annual leave is pre-arranged to ensure timely completion of the apprenticeship, typically consisting of:
- Two weeks at Easter
- Two weeks in the summer
- One week in October
- One week at Christmas, plus public holidays
This apprenticeship will predominantly involve night shifts, but will also occasionally include day and weekend shifts.
This role involves manual activity, including heavy lifting and pushing equipment.
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
- 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