Job Description - London Underground Power Engineering Apprentice (047075)
Organisation
HR
Job
LU Power L4
Position Type - Full Time
TfL APPRENTICE JOB DESCRIPTION
Thank you for your interest in applying for this TfL Apprenticeship Scheme.
We’d like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.
This application will also contain a series of questions to establish whether or not you are eligible. It is important that you take great care in reading and answering these questions as we will not be able to revert your application if an error is made.
Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Apprenticeship schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.
London Underground Power Engineering – Level 4
In the heart of Greenwich, London Underground operates a power station! Fuelled by the energy of seven gas turbine-driven alternators. Its main mission? To swiftly re-energize the London Underground network in the face of a significant national grid failure, ensuring a safe evacuation for passengers stuck in tunnels. This is not just a power station; it's a lifeline, ready to spark into action and illuminate the way to safety.
What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow:
1. Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
2. Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
3. Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays
4. Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more
Location
Across London
Duration
4 years
Entry requirements
1. A minimum of 2 GCSE’s Grade A* - C or Grade 4 and above including Maths and English Language, plus 2 A-Levels, at grade A* - D or equivalents.
2. You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or undertaking the same Apprenticeship Standard.
3. Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
4. You must be 18 by 8th September 2025 to be eligible for this scheme.
5. Applicants holding the following will not be eligible to apply: Level 4 Apprenticeship in Engineering or Level 4 NVQ Certificate or Diploma in any.
Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test.
Proposed start date
8th September 2025
Job overview
London Underground's trains and infrastructure are powered by electricity drawn from the National Grid at several Bulk Supply Points across the capital. This power is manipulated and distributed by the London Underground Power & Electrical Department through approximately 300 substations spread across 250 miles of track. In addition, electricity is distributed to and around over 1600 individual premises, including 270 London Underground stations and over 20 depot locations.
Power assets are extensive, expensive, and highly technical and must be in top condition for the Underground to run smoothly and adhere to the schedule every day and night. The electrical infrastructure and services are diverse, including over 100,000 light fittings, tens of thousands of critical and general power supplies, 500+ UPS units, and various other specialist electrical asset groups.
Sustainability
Sustainability is intrinsic to TfL’s work ethos, and we ensure that we operate in a sustainable way to protect and regenerate the natural world.
What will I be doing?
During your apprenticeship, you will undergo a four-year development program consisting of placements across the Power departments. Our goal is to provide you with a diverse set of skills and experiences essential for a successful career. Recognising that each person's career path is distinct, we tailor every apprentice's journey to be unique. Here's a glimpse of what your individual trajectory might entail:
Year 1
In the initial year, you'll be adjusting to both London Underground and the field of engineering. This period will primarily involve delving into fundamental engineering principles at our partner college in Enfield. Following this phase, you will undergo comprehensive training, including all necessary track and substation safety protocols. This is to enable you to operate safely around our fleet in various sites and high voltage.
Year 2 and 3
In your second year, you will actively engage in the operational side of the business, gaining practical insights from seasoned Power engineers across different specialities (Operating, High Voltage Cables, Substation or Protection). Your role will involve shadowing teams, progressively building your confidence and practical expertise. Additionally, you will be rotating across our maintenance and breakdown sections, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of our operations. As part of your second year, you will also be released to continue building on your level 4 fundamental engineering principles at our partner college in Enfield.
During this phase, you'll develop proficiency in mechanical, electrical, and hand tool usage. Working closely with our dedicated assessor, you'll address a comprehensive range of knowledge questions integral to your qualifications.
You will also be enrolled into in house training including running a substation, continual improvement, and large range of technical training on our specific assets.
Year 4
As you progress into your final year, you will continue rotating through various sections with a focus on more specialised areas, honing your competencies through diverse methods. The qualifications encompass knowledge assessments and documentation of the practical work you undertake. Ultimately, you will present your finest work to an external engineering institute, obtaining the final endorsement that declares you as a proficient rolling stock engineer. This endorsement, coupled with the completion of your qualifications, will signify that you are ready to undertake a job interview leading to a position as a Plant Fitter or HV Cables Fitter.
Where can this career take me?
This apprenticeship marks the beginning of your career journey, opening a world of limitless roles and opportunities. Upon completion, you'll roll off as a Plant Fitter or High Voltage cables Fitter, contributing to the efficient functioning of substations and stations. Depending on your skills and enthusiasm, you may choose to progress into more technical or specialist roles or explore opportunities in management. The pathway ahead is dynamic and filled with possibilities for your continued growth and success. You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses. These will vary from soft skills training, safety training to technical skills training.
At the end of the apprenticeship, you will be at an Engineering Technician professional standard while there is no requirement this can be built upon to achieve Engineering Chartership status in the future.
What training and support will you get?
You will be working towards a Level 4 qualification in Railway Engineering Advanced Technician (Electrification Advanced Technician). Typically, you will be required to attend CONEL college in Enfield, as block placements to complete 4 Mandatory Units that make up your Level 4 Knowledge qualification, remaining units will be delivered by your Assessor.
Whilst on the scheme, we’ll support your technical development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experiences and placements. We’ll also support your professional development through a combination of classroom-led training courses, online training courses, mentoring opportunities, and structured networking opportunities. You will receive one-to-one support throughout the programme from your scheme sponsor and your Line Manager. You’ll also be connected to a ‘colleague’ who will be a more experienced apprentice from the scheme.
What do we look for?
Everything we do as an organisation is to ensure that our evolving city remains future proof for millions of Londoners. Our talented apprentices form a vital part of that vision, so it’s important that we find the best people to help us do this. We’re looking for people who are;
1. Analytical and logical thinkers
2. Continuing learners
3. Creative and innovative
As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value. If you’re excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London then this is the career path for you.
The apprenticeship scheme will involve working flexible hours to include early, late, night and weekend shifts.
The location of your work is contingent upon where it is needed. With over 250 substations and assets scattered across Greater London, you will be expected to attend as necessary.
What Qualifications will I gain?
Level 4 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
Assessment Process
You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.
Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests.
Assessment centres for apprenticeship roles will take place from February-April, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee additional dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).
Inclusive Recruitment Process
We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for candidates with a disability. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.
We're a Disability Confident employer, and we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge and experience have been met.
In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria we set is achieving a pass mark in our first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme.
Contact us
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Contact the recruitment team by
Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)
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