Rail Signalling Design Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

Job Details

Rail SignallingDesign Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

Fun Fact / What makes us different? 

Former signal 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  

• £24,016 

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 

Location  

• London (there might be some hybrid working involved depending on a placement) 
• College location will be dependent upon course availability. Currently the only suitable course is being run by Reading – though a location closer to our offices in Stratford is currently under consideration, travel expenses are re-imbursed.  

Duration  

• 3 years 

Entry requirements  

You should already hold or be working towards a minimum of 2 GCSE’s Grade A* - C or Grade 4 and above or equivalent in Maths and English language.  

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. 

Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks. 

You must be 18 years of age before the start date to be eligible for this scheme.  

Proposed start date

9th September 2024 

Job overview 

Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system. These Railway Signalling Engineers are responsible for the design and acceptance of new signalling solutions across the underground utilising both legacy and modern types of signalling equipment. Systems developed by these engineers are responsible for the safe carriage of passengers and the delivery of an efficient and reliable train 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 – Signalling Systems (Major Projects) – 6 months – You will be involved in many aspects of the delivery of a major signalling system upgrade project, including Performance Modelling, 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 & observe testing & commissioning activities. 

Placement 2 – Train Control Systems – 3 months – You will undertake various Engineering Assurance activities, such as supporting the signalling product approval process 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 – Engineering System Safety – 3 months – You will employ a variety of Engineering Safety Management processes to ensure that risks associated with engineering changes are tolerance and reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. You’ll 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 – Signal Maintenance – 6 months – You will spend time with the Routine Maintenance, New Works and Engineering Support teams. You’ll gain hands-on experience of operational signalling equipment, ranging from 1950s technology through to modern solid-state signal control computers. You will assist with routine servicing, project support works, failure investigations,  testing and independent assurance techniques. 

Placement 5 - Control & Information – 3 to 6 months – Control & Information systems provide an interface between the control room operator, the signaller, trains and infrastructure to enable the control and schedule regulation of train services. The systems span many decades, ranging from relay logic to fully computerised solutions. You will become involved in many aspects of these systems, including the production of designs and documentation to enable changes, improvements and enhancements. 

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 signalling systems. You’ll work with the Cyber Security team to understand and support this aspect of railway signalling 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 - Signalling Design Office – 6 months – You will learn about principles of Signalling Design, requirements capture and problem solving. You’ll produce CAD drawings and undertake configuration & change control activities. 

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 Railway Signalling Engineering Apprentices will undertake the following placements: Major Projects, Train Control Systems, Maintenance, Design Office and Control & Information. 

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 Major Projects 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 permanent way, 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 Signalling Design team, designing modifications to the existing signalling arrangements and contributing to the introduction of new signalling system which could lead to further career development opportunities such as Signalling Design engineer or a role in signalling testing & commissioning. Alternatively as a Control & Information Engineer you could be involved in coding, building and installing our own in-house train control system. The mTRAC system is currently installed on the Piccadilly line and is being rolled out onto the Bakerloo. The activities undertaken as a Railway Signalling Engineering Design Apprentice will also stand you in good stead if you wish to become licensed with the Institute of Railway Signalling Engineers (IRSE). 

What training and support will you get? 

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'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 

About Transport for London

We’re the integrated transport authority responsible for meeting Mayor Sadiq Khan's strategy and commitments on transport in London. We run the day-to-day operation of the Capital's public transport network and manage London's main roads.

With such a vast and varied transport network, no two days at TfL are the same but we have one key purpose: to keep London moving. Working at TfL gives you the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on London and Londoners.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button.

Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.