LU Escalators Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - London

LU Escalators Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship - London

Thank you for your interest in applying for this TfL Apprenticeship Scheme.

London Underground introduced the first ‘moving staircase’ in 1911, when people were afraid to use it!

Fast forward to 2023, London Underground’s escalators must operate for more than 20 hours a day, 364 days per year, each escalator providing high levels of availability and reliability for at least 20 years; a raised level of technical competence is required to maintain it.

Salary

£27,944

What we offer

• 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

3 years

Location

London

Suitable for those who prefer:

• Mainly night shifts
• Frequent travel across the TfL network
• A range of assessments including observations and exams
• Working in our stations
• Mostly mechanical, some electrical work
• A mix of light/heavy physical work in a team environment

Entry Requirements

• You are not eligible for this apprenticeship if you are currently on a TfL apprenticeship.
• If you are on an apprenticeship that is due to complete (this must include the qualification and EPA) before our start date on 7 September 2026 you may be eligible. If you are unsure please contact the TfL Early Careers Development team
• You must hold or be working toward a minimum of 2 GCSE’s A*-C/ grade 4 or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English language.
• You must be 18 years old by 7th September 2026 to be eligible for this scheme
• You are not eligible for this scheme if you currently hold or undertaking the same Apprenticeship Standard.
• Please note that you will be required to provide original certificates and/or predicted grades as proof for your eligibility checks.
• Your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, hearing test and eyesight tests including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment and Diagnosis tests to determine colour deficiency.

What Qualifications can you gain?

• Level 2 Fundamental Engineering Skills
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma Engineering Maintenance
• Level 4 Knowledge Certificate

Start date

7th September 2026

Job overview

London Underground plays an essential role in our city’s development. Our network covers 253 miles, serving 275 stations and carries more than five million passengers per day.Our Engineers focus on the assets that form the foundation of our transport system.

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 will I be doing?

As an apprentice, your 3-year development programme will be made up of up to numerous different placement rotations across the London Underground Network. 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.

As an Escalators apprentice you will gain skills and experience across various areas on the London Underground network. You will learn to service, maintain, and repair all of our escalator or lift assets whilst the public sleep, as well as join the heavy refurbishment team and inspectors.

Your placement plan will be issued and managed by your Apprenticeship Development Manager where you will be assured the maximum exposure needed to attain your knowledge and competence.

The apprenticeship scheme will involve working flexible hours to include early, late, night and weekend shifts.

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.

Where can this career take me?

Upon successful completion of this scheme, you could roll-off into the multi-skilled Fitter 2 role which could lead to further career development opportunities such as Fitter 1, Team Leader and Area Manager. You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses. These will vary from soft skills training to technical skills training.Many of our current Lifts & Escalator senior management team began their career with this very apprenticeship and have worked their way up to executive level – your future will be yours to build!

What training and support will you get?

Initially you will train and gain a level 2 college delivered PEO in fundamental Engineering skills.You will then be working towards a Level 3 NVQ Diploma qualification in Engineering Maintenance in a range of workplace placements.Depending on your apprenticeship programme, there is also potential to obtain a University Delivered Level 4 knowledge certificate.This will lead to gaining the Lift and Escalator Electromechanic apprenticeship standard.

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 Line Manager.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:

• Apprenticeship Development Manager: Responsible for managing your overall programme and line manager responsibilities
• Placement manager: Responsible for your time while at the placement and support with your development to ensure you get the experience you need.
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as a technical and professional lead for the scheme.
• Buddy: An ex-apprentice or experienced service controller operating in your desired control room to qualify in

What do we look for?

• 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

Our application system requires all applicants to upload a CV. Although CVs are not reviewed during the shortlisting process, we do use them to confirm that applicants meet the required grade eligibility criteria. You are welcome to upload a basic CV however, please ensure that the section detailing your qualifications is accurate and up to date. Please note we do not read cover letters.

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. 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 2026, 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.

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

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.