Job Overview
The Elizabeth Line Rail Engineering Apprenticeship plays a critical role in maintaining the performance, safety, and reliability of the TfL RfLI Elizabeth Line. With an estimated 200 million passengers per year, apprentices will contribute to ensuring that the line, stations, and assets operate at peak performance.
This apprenticeship provides a hands-on opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and technicians, gaining expertise in track maintenance, telecoms, electrification, and signalling.
What TfL Offers
Apprentices will receive a range of benefits, including:
- Free travel on the TfL network for the apprentice and a nominee who lives in the same household.
- Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel.
- Minimum of 29 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme.
- Access to retail, health, leisure, and travel discounts.
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, applicants must:
- Hold GCSEs (Grade A - C / Grade 4 and above) in English and Maths* or equivalent.
- Not already hold or be working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject.
- Be 18 years old or older by 11th September 2025.
Medical Assessment:
Successful applicants will be required to pass a satisfactory medical assessment, which may include:
- Drugs and alcohol screening.
- Hearing test.
- Eye tests, including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment & Diagnosis tests to determine colour deficiency.
What Will the Apprenticeship Involve?
The three-year development programme includes various placements within the Elizabeth Line Maintenance Team.
Year 1 – Exposure to Core Engineering Teams
- Rotations across Planning, Health & Safety, and Engineering teams.
- Hands-on placements in Permanent Way Track, Telecoms, Electrification, and Signalling, working alongside qualified technicians.
Years 2 & 3 – Specialisation
- Apprentices will align with a specific discipline, deepening their technical expertise and practical knowledge.
- Work will involve a balance of practical competence and theoretical learning, with apprentices expected to produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating growing skills and understanding.
Throughout the programme, apprentices will receive oversight and guidance from experienced engineers and technicians, ensuring they gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for a successful career.
What TfL Looks for in Candidates
TfL is looking for individuals who:
- Have a passion for engineering and maintenance.
- Are highly motivated and proactive.
- Enjoy working as part of a team.
- Are logical thinkers and problem solvers.
- Can follow instructions and apply practical skills.
This apprenticeship provides an opportunity to develop responsibility and contribute to the future of London’s transport network.
Where Can This Career Take You?
Upon completion of the apprenticeship, candidates may secure a role within the Elizabeth Line Maintenance Team, leading to opportunities in:
- Supervisory roles.
- Project management.
- Site management.
- Surveying and site engineering.
The skills, knowledge, and experience gained on the programme open doors to various engineering career paths within TfL.
What Qualification Will You Gain?
- Level 3 qualification in Rail Engineering (Electrification Pathway).
- Apprentices will attend a London-based college for 3-5 week blocks throughout the learning year.
What Training & Support Will You Receive?
Apprentices will receive a combination of technical and professional development, including:
- On-the-job practical experience in maintenance and engineering.
- Classroom-led training courses and online learning modules.
- Mentoring and structured networking opportunities within TfL.
Dedicated Support Includes:
- Scheme Sponsor – A senior manager offering technical and professional advice.
- Placement Manager – Providing day-to-day guidance and hands-on experience.
- Buddy System – Support from former apprentices.
- Development Adviser – Offering career coaching and progression support.
Assessment ProcessCandidates will receive support and information throughout the assessment stages.
For further details, visit the TfL website:
https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles
- Applicants have one week to complete assessments.
- Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from February to April.
- Most roles have only one assessment day (dates cannot be rescheduled).
- Assessments may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the role.
Inclusive Recruitment Process
TfL is a Disability Confident Employer and offers guaranteed interviews to candidates who meet the minimum criteria.
TfL is committed to ensuring a fair and robust reasonable adjustments process, collaborating with Occupational Health colleagues and other expert organisations.
Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments should notify TfL as soon as possible.
Contact Information
For further details or to request reasonable adjustments, please use the following contact information:
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 17:30)
Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk