Job Description

Date:

13 Jan 2026

Location:

Endeavour Square, TfL Corporate

Company:

TfL, GLA or OPDC

Please note: This role may close soon depending on the level of interest so don't miss out!

Thank you for your interest in applying for this role.

We'd like to remind you that you must ensure you are eligible for this scheme before applying. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.

This application will also contain a series of questions to establish whether or not you are eligible. It is important that you take great care in reading and answering these questions as we will not be able to revert your application if an error is made.

Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Apprenticeship schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

Railway Telecoms Apprentice

Level

6

Apprentice Standard

Rail and Rail Systems Engineer ; Rail and Rail Systems Engineer, Telecoms, Networks and Digital Specialism.

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

31,289

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 End Point Assessment

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

7th September 2026

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.

Application process

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments which will need to be completed within an allocated time frame. We highly recommend that you read through this document thoroughly so that you can familiarise yourself with the process.


Please click on this link for which describes each stage of the Apprentice Application Process : Apprentice Application Process


If you already hold your qualification certificates, please upload copies of these to your application. If you are due to sit final exams or need to replace any certificates, these must be provided at a later stage.


You will receive information and guidance around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.



Please pay close attention to emails and deadlines provided noting you have 1 week to complete online assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests once the deadline passes.



Assessment centres for apprentice roles will take place from March-May, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee alternative dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).

Our city. Made better by you.

TfL is a place that's open to your ideas. Where you can make a tangible impact and see the positive results of your work on the people and places around you. It's a place where you can thrive and achieve. Where you're encouraged and enabled and empowered to feel pride in the work you do. The clue is in the name, really. We work together for a better London. A better place for everyone. Constantly improving and enhancing how we operate to shape a city of the future.

Important Information

There may be a requirement to work ad-hoc nights in line with business requirements.

Inclusive Recruitment Process

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We want to represent the city we serve, which will help us become a more innovative and efficient organisation. Our goal is to make our recruitment as inclusive as possible. We are a disability confident employer who guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all of the essential criteria.



In High Volume campaigns including Graduate, Apprentice and Intern recruitment the minimum criteria we set is achieving a pass mark in our first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process.

Contact us

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.



Contact the recruitment team by

Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30)

Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk