Job Overview
TfL’s Engineers focus on maintaining and improving the signalling, control, and information system assets that form the foundation of the transport system. They are responsible for engineering support across maintenance, operations, and modernisation projects, as well as for the design and acceptance of new signalling solutions across Transport for London.
The systems developed and maintained by these engineers are crucial for the safe carriage of passengers and the efficient, reliable operation of train services.
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 in Years 1-3?
The three-year development programme will include:
- One day per week at college
- Five to seven internal signalling training courses
- Six to eight work placement rotations
The aim is to equip apprentices with the skills and experience needed for long-term career success. TfL recognises that each apprentice’s journey is unique, and the programme is structured to allow for tailored development.
Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:
A breakdown of some work placements is as below.
Signalling Systems (Major Projects)
- Assist in the delivery of major signalling system upgrades
- Support performance modelling, system delivery, implementation, and project safety & assurance
- Ensure designs meet required specifications and apply project control processes, including risk assessment and hazard identification
- Observe and assist with testing and commissioning activities
Train Control Systems
- Undertake engineering assurance activities
- Support the signalling product approval process
- Produce Written Notices to clarify engineering standards
- Participate in incident investigations to identify root causes and recommend improvements
Engineering System Safety
- Use Engineering Safety Management processes to assess risks associated with engineering changes
- Undertake risk assessments and compile evidence for safety cases
Signal Maintenance
- Gain hands-on experience working with operational signalling equipment
- Work on both legacy (1950s) and modern solid-state signal control systems
- Assist with servicing, failure investigations, testing, and project support works
Control & Information Systems
- Work on systems that enable train service control
- Gain experience in designs and documentation for system changes and improvements
Cyber Security
- Understand cyber security risks in railway signalling systems
- Assist in incident responses and provide cyber security advice
Signalling Design Office
- Learn signalling design principles
- Work on CAD drawings, configuration, and change control activities
Final Placement
- Return to a preferred placement for final 4-6 months
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
College Location
College location will be dependent on course availability. Currently, the only suitable course is being run by:
Newham College London – East Ham Campus, High Street South, London E6 6ER
Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Qualifications Gained
Apprentices will work towards a:
- Level 3 qualification as a Railway Engineering Design Technician
Typically, apprentices will attend college one day per week for the first two years.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold or be working towards a minimum of two GCSEs (A-C / Grade 4 and above)* (or equivalent) in Maths and English Language
- Be 18 years old before the start date
- Not already hold or be undertaking a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have already studied content from this qualification
Applicants will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof during eligibility checks.
Additional Information
To ensure apprentices gain sufficient breadth and depth of engineering experience, all Railway Signalling Engineering Apprentices will undertake placements in:
- Major Projects
- Train Control Systems
- Maintenance
- Design Office
- Control & Information
Placement Durations:
- Typically 3 to 6 months in length, depending on the work being undertaken
- Some apprentices may split placements between different teams within the same domain
Cyber Security & Engineering Safety Management
- These areas will be covered within core placements or through additional placements, depending on project availability
Additional Placement Options
- There is scope for apprentices to arrange placements in other areas, such as Rolling Stock (vehicles) or Permanent Way (track infrastructure), provided they continue to build their portfolio of engineering experience.
Where Can This Career Take You?
Upon successful completion, apprentices may transition into roles within:
- Signalling Design – Modifying and maintaining existing signalling systems
- Signalling Testing & Commissioning – Supporting new and upgraded signalling solutions
- Maintenance & Operations – Providing engineering support and assurance
- Control & Information Engineering – Working on train control system coding, installation, and development
Apprentices will also be well-positioned to obtain licensure from the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE).
Training & 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
Additional Support Roles:
- Placement Manager – Responsible for day-to-day management and development
- Scheme Sponsor – Senior Manager providing technical and professional guidance
- Buddy – Usually a former apprentice who offers support and advice
- Development Adviser – Provides career coaching and guidance
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL seeks candidates who demonstrate the following qualities:
- 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.
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 April to June
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.
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, excluding bank holidays)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk