London Underground Track Operative Engineering - Level 2
Fun Fact
Keeping London Moving isn’t just about trains, and with our train’s travelling more than 70 million km per year, the condition of our track is of pivotal importance. London Underground’s track has to carry hundreds of trains over more than 402km across our entire network for 364 days per year.
Salary
£27,944
What we offer
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow:
Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household
Discounted national rail and Eurostar travel
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
2 years
Location
London
Suitable for those who prefer
Mainly night shifts
Working trackside
Frequent travel across the TfL network
Observational assessments- being observed completing new tasks as part of assessments
Mechanical focused
A mix of light/heavy physical work in a team environment
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 years of age by 8th 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 2 Rail Engineering (Competence)
Level 2 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
Important Information
Annual Leave is pre-arranged to ensure timely completion of your apprenticeship. These are typically, Two Week Easter Break, Two Week Summer Break, One Week October and One week during the Christmas Period, plus Public Holidays.
This apprenticeship will predominantly consist of night shifts when on placement but will also occasionally include day and weekend shifts.
This role will include manual activity including heavy lifting and pushing equipment.
Start date
7th September 2026
Job overview
Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. The role of a London Underground engineering apprentice is critical to ensuring the ongoing performance and safety of our tube network. The technological advancements we are seeing in our trains and operating infrastructure mean that we need to adapt the way we maintain our assets to keep them operating at peak performance. You’ll be at the forefront of these developments whilst also keeping a watchful eye on our legacy assets across the network.
As a London Underground Track Apprentice, you will undertake regular placements across the network. Here, you will work alongside our highly skilled track engineers, learning how to maintain a key asset without which London Underground could not operate. London Underground’s track has to carry hundreds of trains over more than 402km across our entire network for 364 days per year. Under constant supervision, and working as part of a team, you will learn and become proficient in the essential track maintenance skillset, enabling you to help contribute to the maintenance and fault repair of this pivotal function ensuring that an effective, efficient service remains continuous for London.
What will I be doing?
As an apprentice, your 2-year development programme will be made up of up to 4 or 5 placement rotations. Our aim is to equip you with the range of skills and experience you need for your successful career. We also understand that everyone’s career is different, so every apprentice’s journey is unique. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:
The apprenticeship is made up of a mixture of Classroom Training at Acton Training Centre, Placements across the Network and Operational Training.
You will rotate across different lines between Maintenance and Inspections for the duration of your Apprenticeship.
Your roles and responsibilities will include:
To work as part of a track team in order to complete essential track maintenance under the supervision of a Site Person in Charge
To assist the line inspection, staff in undertaking Safety Critical Inspections of the track
To work safely at all times adhering to strict Safety Controls and Instructions given.
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.
Where can this career take me?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into A Skilled Track Operative Role which could lead to further career development opportunities such as Track Inspector and Track Technician, as well as Site Person in Charge.
You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses. These will vary from soft skills training to technical skills training and Include Protecting Workers on the Track – Engineering Hours (PWT-EH) and T001
What training and support will you get?
You will be working towards a Level 2 qualification in Rail Engineering Operative
Typically, you will be required to attend Acton Training Centre, to complete the Knowledge part of your apprenticeship and this is typically Block Release.
You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:
Apprenticeship Development Manager: A manager who will be managing your overall programme who has line manager responsibilities
Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development
Buddy: Usually an apprentice who gives you support and ensures that you feel welcomed in the organisation
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.
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;
Willingness to Learn
Highly Motivated
Enthusiastic
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
As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value. If you are excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London, then this is the career path for you.
