London Underground Power - Level 4

Keep the Tube network running safely and learn how to operate complex components in our Power Division.

Apprenticeship Standard: Railway Engineering Technician Level 4

How long: 4 years   

Tentative start date: September 2023 

Where: London 

Salary: £23,404  

What you'll need 

  • A minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade A*-C or Grade 4 and above, including Maths and English Language, plus 2 A-Levels, at grade A*-D or equivalents
  • You must be 18 years old before the start of this scheme

You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or are working towards a qualification at the same or higher level in a related subject or have already studied content from the qualification for this scheme.

Applicants holding the following will not be eligible to apply:  

  • Level 4 Apprenticeship in Engineering or Level 4 NVQ Certificate or Diploma in any Engineering discipline 
  • Level 4 Knowledge qualification in Rail Engineering 

Job overview

London Underground plays an essential role in our city's development. Our network covers 253 miles, serving 275 stations and carriers more than five million passengers per day.  

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. 

What you'll be doing 

Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn from experienced and qualified staff through various placements across the organisation. You'll gain a broad spectrum of knowledge through a hands-on approach to learning. 

You'll participate in Substation Plant Maintenance spanning many disciplines, up to voltages of 22,000VAC. During your training you'll learn the operation of complex components which include: High and Low voltage Switchgear, 415VAC Switchgear, Direct Current Switchgear, Battery, Protection, Compressed Air, Power Quality, Power Generation and SCADA control systems. You'll be highly trained and licensed in the Operation, Switching and Safe Isolation of these components.

During your apprenticeship, you will be placed across a range of departments within the Power area, enabling you to experience and learn how the Power Division functions. You'll learn how to:

  • Read Electrical and Mechanical Drawings
  • Write reports
  • Fault find
  • Condition monitor
  • Understand the use of predictive maintenance techniques which include thermal imaging, trending and profiling

Our fitters are highly skilled individuals who form an integral and essential part of our business. 

Where this career can take you 

This apprenticeship is just the start of your career, the roles and opportunities available to you are endless. You may want to progress onto an Apprenticeship at a higher level, or as an engineer responsible for a team of skilled fitters. Alternatively, you may want to remain as a hands-on engineer, growing in knowledge and experience and passing on your skills to the next generation of Apprentices.  

Apprentices can also eventually aspire to senior management positions. We have a number of directors who started their career journeys as an apprentice for London Underground.