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 Leve 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;
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.
Important Information
What Qualifications will I gain?
