LU Service Control Level 3 Apprenticeship

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 scheme per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.  

Service Control – Level 3 

Help to manage the train service safely and efficiently and in the best interests of our customers. 

"Having the opportunity to work within various operational teams is such an invaluable experience and a great way to learn more about the network." 

Florence, Service Control Apprentice 

Salary 

£27,944 

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.   

• Defined pension contribution scheme 

• 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 

2 years  

apprenticeship in preparation for 6–12-month Service Control trainee role 

Location 

London 

Suitable for those who can or have the potential to

• Work well in a faced paced environment
• Manage the pressure of real time decision making well
• Handle complex, time critical situations consistently and safely

Entry requirements 

• A minimum of 2 GCSEs Grade A* - C or Grade 4 and above (or equivalents) including Maths and English Language 

• You must be 18 years old by 7th September 2026 to be eligible for this scheme  

Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this apprenticeship scheme, 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. 

Start date 

 7th September 2026 

Job overview 

Service Controllers manage the entire London Underground train service safely and efficiently and in the best interests of our customers. They ensure that our published timetables are operated safely and that optimum train service is maintained at all times and especially following service disruption. 

Service Controllers are the air traffic controllers of London Underground; they maintain and communicate the real time flow of information to stations and customers by operating all customer information systems. Service Controllers are also trained and qualified to operate signalling control systems on their line as well as monitor all vital control centre equipment. You’ll often need to transition instantly from routine operations to full-scale incident management in response to sudden, complex service changes navigating cascading impacts across the network, making rapid, high-stakes decisions, and maintaining absolute composure under relentless pressure 

Service Controllers are accountable for ensuring that essential comms regarding service updates are made to other lines, maintenance and engineering teams, line-based management teams and emergency services through any and all incidents or situations, planned or unplanned. Service Controllers take the necessary action to keep the London Underground network moving! 

What will I be doing? 

To be an excellent Service Controller, you will learn: 

• How to communicate quickly, clearly and precisely with various individuals in many different scenarios 

• How different operational areas of London Underground work in partnership with Service Control to provide a reliable service 

• How to make fast, impactful decisions during planned, unplanned as well as emergency situations and communicate them to the relevant teams, thus ensuring the continued service to customers. Your apprenticeship will focus on building this understanding and experiencing our operational world.  

You’ll gain a broad spectrum of knowledge through hands-on experience, learning directly from experienced and qualified staff during placements across the organisation. As part of this, you’ll actively contribute to operational activities alongside Station Assistants, Station Supervisors, and Train Managers taking on roles that build confidence and deepen your understanding of how frontline operations connect with Service Control. 

Your apprenticeship will prepare you for the necessary learning which must be achieved in order to qualify as a Service Controller on our network. 

You'll also be responsible for: 

• Monitoring and updating real-time service information to keep the network moving. 

• Managing multiple communication channels to ensure timely updates for stations, customers, and operational teams.  

• Supporting incident response by gathering and relaying critical information during service disruptions.  

• Accurately recording operational data, delays, and performance metrics for record keeping. 

• Collaborating with frontline teams to understand and influence service delivery decisions. 

• Learning to prioritise tasks under pressure and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. 

• Using signalling and control systems to maintain safe and efficient train operations. 

• Contributing to continuous improvement by identifying issues and suggesting practical solutions. 

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively and the ability to impart knowledge of service control operating and safety procedures is vital. 

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. You’ll also be able to complete placements that help deliver our green strategy and ensure TfL is a strong, green heartbeat for London. 

Where this career can take you 

This apprenticeship is designed to support you in achieving a Service Controller role. 

To do so, you'll need to: 

• Achieve your apprenticeship and end point assessment. 

• Pass and qualify as a Signal Operator (Signaller)  

• Pass both Service Controller courses (SCL2 part A&B) 

• Complete the 6-12 months traineeship.  

What training and support will you get? 

 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? 

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