Telecommunications Engineering Apprenticeship

Transport for London

London, SE1 8JZ

Closes in 12 days (Friday 7 March)

Posted on 18 February 2025


Summary

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.

Training course
Rail and rail systems senior engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours
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. There may be a requirement to work ad hoc nights in line with business requirements. Days and times to be confirmed.

35 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 8 September

Duration

4 years

Positions available

4

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

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.

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.

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.

Year 2 - Placement 4 – Surface Operational Systems – 6 months – You will spend time with Surface Operational Systems.

Placement 5 – LU Asset Operations – 3 to 6 months – Communications systems operations and maintenance including working with the internal or external maintainer.

Placement 6 - Cybersecurity – 1 to 2 months – Cybersecurity isn’t just about IT systems; many engineering systems use computer-based equipment and networks, including common systems.

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 the final 6 months.

Where you’ll work

197 Blackfriars Road

London

SE1 8JZ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY

Your training course

Rail and rail systems senior engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

Your training plan

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.

More training information

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

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English or English Language (grade A*-C or Grade D and above)
  • Maths (grade A*-C or Grade D and above)

A Level in:

  • 3 A Levels (grade BBB or equivalent)

Other in:

  • Maths and / or Physical Sciences (grade BBB)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Adaptable
  • Innovative

Other requirements

Due to the health and safety requirements of this role we are unable to employ apprentices under 18 on this scheme

About this company

At TfL, our work goes beyond transport. We keep London moving – day in, day out. We’re about building stronger connections, and helping people do more of what they love. From sustainable futures to post-pandemic economic recovery, we’re constantly breaking new ground, and taking innovation to new heights. For our people, this is more than just a job. Our apprentices are pioneers, frontrunners, and mentors. And, with a culture built on support and flexibility that puts wellbeing first.

https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Free travel on the TfL network for you and a nominee who lives in the same household.   Minimum 29 days annual leave (pro rata dependent on role) plus public and bank holidays. Retail, health, leisure and travel offers & many more.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

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.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Transport for London

The recruitment team

apprenticeshiprecruitment@tfl.gov.uk

0203 005 1680

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000304683.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Friday 7 March)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

You will receive support and information 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 assessments and we cannot re-issue these tests. Assessment centres will take place from February-April, please note that many roles only have 1 assessment day and we are unable to guarantee additional dates. We are conducting assessment centres in person and virtually (role dependent).