Railway Telecoms Apprentice
Level
6
Apprentice Standard
Rail and Rail Systems Engineer ; Option: Specific Knowledge and Skills:
Telecoms, Networks and Digital Knowledge & Skills:
Fun Fact
Former apprentices have gone on to be senior managers and directors in TfL, while others have gone on to lead major companies and projects such as HS2.
Salary
£29,281
Location:
London - Hybrid working within this role enables a balance of 50 per cent of time split between the office and home over a 4-week period. Hybrid working arrangements can evolve subject to business requirements
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
4 years plus EPA
Entry requirements
You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 2 GCSE’s Grade 4 (C) and above including Maths and English Language (or equivalent) plus 3 A Levels at grades BBB (or equivalent) which must include Maths and/or Physical Sciences.
Candidates with equivalent level 3 qualifications must hold or be on track on achieve one of the following:
BTEC National Diploma DDM, including Level 3 Mathematics and Physical Sciences (128 UCAS points),
EAL Technical Extended Diploma in Engineering Technologies, D, including: Further
Engineering Mathematics; and other options relevant to Electrical, Mechanical or Civil engineering,
Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions and 21 Merits, with at least half the course in Mathematics and Physical Science subjects (122 UCAS points),
Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 120 UCAS points and including Mathematics and Physical Sciences,
Proposed start date
8th September 2025
Job overview
Our Engineers focus on the systems and assets that form the foundation of our transport system. These Telecoms Engineers are responsible for the design and acceptance of new Communications Solutions across London Underground and other TfL Transport modes, utilising both legacy and modern types of communications equipment. Systems delivered by these engineers are responsible for the support the delivery of an efficient and reliable transport service.
What will I be doing?
As an apprentice, your 3-year development programme will be made up of up to 6 to
9 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:
Year 1
Placement 1 – Operational Communications Systems (Stations) – 6 months –
You will be involved in many aspects of the delivery of an Operational
Communications Systems upgrade project, including Design Reviews, System Delivery, Implementation and Project Safety & Assurance. You will assist in ensuring that designs meet the required specifications and apply project control processes, including risk assessment and hazard identification. You will also assist with and observe testing & commissioning activities.
Placement 2 – Fixed Transmission Systems – 3 months – You will undertake various Engineering Assurance activities, such as supporting the delivery of IP and legacy communications systems and producing Written Notices to amend and clarify engineering standards. You’ll also get involved in Incident Investigations to identify root causes and recommend solutions and improvements.
Placement 3 – Wireless Systems – 3 months – You will employ a variety of Wireless Systems used across the business, including radio systems used by TfL staff and Emergency Services. You’ll be involved in the specification, testing and delivery of changes to these systems assess each change with respect to its complexity and novelty, undertake risk assessments and compile the evidence to produce the required Safety Case.
Year 2
Placement 4 – Surface Operational Systems – 6 months – You will spend time with the Surface Operational Systems. You’ll gain hands-on experience of operational systems including SCADA, CCTV, Radio.
Placement 5 – LU Asset Operations – 3 to 6 months – Communications systems operations and maintenance including working with the internal or external maintainer.
Placement 6 - Cyber Security – 1 to 2 months – Cyber security isn’t just about IT systems; many engineering systems use computer-based equipment and networks, including common systems. You’ll work with the Cyber Security team to understand and support this aspect of communications systems. You’ll assist with responding to cyber security incidents and help to provide cyber security advice to senior discipline engineers.
Year 3
Placement 7 – 6 months – Capital Delivery – You will spend time working on a major capital delivery project, such as the delivery of systems for the introduction of new rolling stock or major communications systems upgrades.
Placement 8 – Return to preferred placement for final 6 months.
Additional information:
To ensure that you gain sufficient breadth and depth to build up your portfolio of engineering experience and knowledge, all Telecoms Systems Engineering Apprentices will undertake placements within various areas of the business, including: Capital Delivery, Asset Operations, London Underground, Streets, London Trams and a range of Renewals & Enhancements projects.
Placements may vary in duration but are typically between 3 and 6 months in length. This will depend on the details of the work being undertaken during the placement, for example, one apprentice may have a 6-month placement with one Major Projects team, but another apprentice may have 2 x 3-month placements with two different project teams. This may become necessary to ensure that you continue to gain sufficient breadth and depth of experience, particularly as each project progresses through its various stages.
During the course of your placements, you will need to gain an understanding and experience of Engineering Safety Management and cyber security. It may be possible to gain sufficient experience and understanding in these areas during the core placements, dependent on the detail of the activities undertaken.
There is scope for apprentices to arrange placements in areas other than those listed above, such as rolling stock (vehicles) or rail or road signalling, provided that the activities/work to be undertaken continues to grow and build your portfolio of evidence and experience.
Where can this career take me?
Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into the telecoms team, designing modifications to the existing communication systems and contributing to the introduction of new communication systems. The activities undertaken as a Telecoms Engineering Apprentice will also stand you in good stead if you wish to progress within the Telecoms Discipline.
What training and support will you get?
You will be working towards a Level 6 qualification as a Railway System Engineer. Typically, you will be required to attend college 1 day a week.
Our award-winning teams will support your ongoing development, through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience and placements. We'll support your professional development through a combination of training, mentoring, and networking.
You'll also receive one-to-one guidance throughout the programme from your:
• Placement manager: Responsible for your day-to-day management and support with your development.
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser and has line manager responsibility.
• Buddy: Usually an apprentice or graduate who gives support to you and ensure that you feel welcomed in the organisation
• Development adviser: Supports your professional development through providing career coaching and career progression at TfL.
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.
