London Underground Fleet Engineering – Level 3
Quotes
“Recently, I was involved in an overhaul project on the Victoria line replacing old venting for improved models. The work was really rewarding. I also enjoyed seeing the replaced vents in the trains I took to work as I was involved in such an important project.
I love the variety of job roles and knowledge there is to learn. I also enjoy the hands-on learning as I feel it is more fun.”
Darcie, 3rd year Fleet Apprentice
“Staff are really friendly and helpful, the work environment is nice with a high level of health and safety to protect staff, work life balance and the pay and benefits is also good."
“Sian, 3rd year Fleet Apprentice
Fun Fact
London Underground plays an essential role in our city’s development. Our network covers 253 miles, serving 275 stations and carries more than five million passengers per day on over 540 trains.
Salary
£27,944
What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:
Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
Discounted National Rail and Eurostar travel
Defined pension contribution scheme
Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays.
Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme
Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more
Duration
3 years
Location
Across London
Entry requirements
You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 2 GCSE’s A*-C/ grade 4 or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English language.
You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or undertaking the same Apprenticeship Standard.
Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
You must be 18 by 7th September 2026 to be eligible for this scheme.
Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this apprenticeship scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, hearing test and eyesight tests including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment and Diagnosis tests to determine colour deficiency.
What qualifications will I gain?
Level 3 Rail Engineering (Competence)
Level 3 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
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 in. 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.
Proposed start date
7th September 2026
Job overview
Our Fleet Engineers at London Underground play a vital role in maintaining and upgrading the operational efficiency and safety of our rolling stock. As a Fleet Engineer, your responsibility is crucial in maintaining our entire fleet of trains.
You will be up to date of the latest developments, ensuring our assets, both new and legacy, consistently operate at optimal levels. This role is pivotal in the continuous performance and safety of our transportation system.
What will I be doing?
During your apprenticeship, you will undergo a three-year development program consisting of up to seven placement rotations across London. 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 journey might entail:
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 fleet in various depots.
Year 2
In your second year, you will actively engage in the operational side of the business, gaining practical insights from seasoned train maintainers across different lines. 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
As you progress into your final year, you will continue rotating through various placements, 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 roll into a job in depots as a train maintainer.
Where can this career take me?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into a Train maintainer position which could develop into opportunities such as Advanced Train Maintainer or Manager positions.
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.
You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses. These will vary from soft skills training, safety training to technical skills training.
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. You’ll also be able to complete placements that help deliver our Green strategy and ensure TfL is a strong, green heartbeat for London.
What training and support will you get?
You will be working towards a Level 3 qualification in Railway Engineering Technician (Rolling stock)
Typically, you will be required to attend CONEL college in Enfield, As block placements to complete 4 Mandatory Units that make up your Leve 3 Knowledge qualification, remaining 3 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 ‘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:
Caring about our colleagues, our customers and our work
Open to each other, to new ideas and to working together
Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate
