Job overview
The Signals department at London Underground is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of track, signalling and control, and information systems across all lines of the London Underground network.
Our highly skilled and experienced signals maintenance teams provide a 24-hour 365 service of emergency call-out, maintenance and fault rectification and ensure that safe signalling systems are always in operation on the London underground system.
Preventative and corrective maintenance is undertaken safely in accordance with the requirements of our 24-hour business whilst the incident team is responsible for real time management of incidents occurring on the railway which require that the root cause of each fault is identified and resolved to keep London moving.
Since 1863, we've used signals on London Underground to keep our passengers safe and the trains running on time. We're currently upgrading our signalling systems across the network so now is an exciting time to join us!
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
As one of the busiest metro systems in the world, London Underground's network includes 11 different lines, 272 stations and carries over 1 billion customers a year. A reliable signalling system is pivotal to making sure that our lines are running safely and at full capacity.
As a signals apprentice you will be following a structured training programme that, if successfully completed, can springboard you into a lifelong career as part of our signals department. Our combined programme of level 3 apprenticeship training and advanced signalling courses are designed to prepare you for a career as a Technical Officer in the signalling department.
You will gain your basic engineering skills at college at the beginning of your scheme before being placed with highly skilled signals teams across every underground line to learn your trade. You will be required to work nights on work experience placements to gain the essential exposure needed to underpin your growing knowledge, skills, and behaviours as a signalling engineer.
You will need to achieve your level 3 apprenticeship and complete and pass all mandatory advanced signals courses to qualify as a Technical Officer. If you are successful at completing these, you will be offered the opportunity to interview for a job as a Technical Officer. Once you become a Technical Officer, you'll be supported to gain the appropriate licences that will allow you to become a member of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE).
Year 1
In the initial year, you'll be acclimating to both London Underground and the field of engineering. This period will primarily involve delving into fundamental engineering theories at our partner college in Enfield. Following this phase, you will undergo comprehensive training, including all necessary track safety protocols, to enable you to operate confidently around our Signalling in various depots.
Year 2
In your second year, you will actively engage in the operational side of the business, gaining practical insights. Your role will involve shadowing teams, progressively building your confidence and practical expertise. Additionally, you will be rotating across our depots, contributing to a well-rounded understanding of our operations. As part of your second year, you will also be released to continue building on 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.
Year 3
In your third year, you will continue to engage in the operational side of the business, gaining practical insights. In addition will be enrolled on internal London underground Signal courses to enable you to carry out the duties of a technical officer.
Year 4
As you progress into your final year, you will continue rotating through various placements, and courses 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.
Where can this career take me?
During your apprenticeship, your professional and personal development will be monitored and observed. Full and comprehensive support will be available to ensure you are developing to the correct and required standards and, if you successfully complete the apprenticeship, your career within our signals department will have only just begun.
From Technical Officer your career can lead to Signals Maintenance Manager, Signal Infrastructure Manager or even Head of Signals!
Many of our current signals senior management team began their career with this very apprenticeship and have worked their way up to executive level – your future will be yours to build!
What training and support will I get?
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 ‘buddy’ who will be a more experienced apprentice from the scheme.
What do we look for?
Our core values are extremely important to us, and we desire candidates who are:
Important Information
The apprenticeship scheme will involve working flexible hours to include early, late, night and weekend shifts.
There are 12 depots that you could be placed. These depots are typically found at the end of lines and are all around (north, east and west) London and can last for as long as 4 months.
