LU Power Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

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Date: 29 Jan 2026

Location: Multiple locations, TfL Corporate

Company: TfL, GLA or OPDC

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 schemes per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn. 

 

London Underground Power Engineering – Level 3 

 

Apprentice Standard: Power Industry Substation Fitter - Distribution 

Pathway: Substation Fitter – HV Distribution Maintenance. 

 

Fun Fact  

London Underground runs the largest private power network in Europe! 

 

Salary 

£27,944 

 

What we offer  
You will enjoy excellent benefits and scope to grow. Rewards vary according to the business area but mostly include:  

  • 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 

 

 

Location 

Across London  

 

Duration 

3 years  

 

Suitable for those who prefer:  

  • A mix of day and night shifts  

  • Frequent travel from a depot  

  • Assessments in coursework form (logbooks)  

  • A mix of electrical and mechanical work  

  • A mix of light/heavy physical work in a team environment   

  

 

 

Entry requirements 

 

  • A minimum of 3 GCSE’s Grade 4 or above including Maths, English Language and Physics (or Science if combined) 

 

  • Following completion of this apprenticeship, there is the opportunity for further higher-level qualifications, therefore having a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) would be advantageous but not essential. 

 

  • 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. 

 

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

  

  • Applicants holding the following will not be eligible to apply:   

Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering or Level 4 NVQ Certificate or Diploma in any Engineering discipline  

Level 3 Knowledge qualification in Rail Engineering 

 

 

Please be advised that should you be successful in getting an offer for this scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include but is not limited to: drugs and alcohol screening, eye test and hearing test. 

 

Proposed start date 

7th September 2026 

 

Job overview 

 
London Underground's trains and infrastructure are powered by electricity drawn from the National Grid at 8 Bulk Supply Points across the capital. This power is distributed through the London Underground Power Network via approximately 270 substations spread across 250 miles of track. 

 

Power assets are extensive, expensive, and highly technical and must be in top condition for the Underground to run smoothly. The electrical infrastructure is diverse, including over 1500km of HV cables, 300 transformers, 2000 HV circuit breakers, 3000 DC traction circuit breakers, 1000 battery/charger sets, 300 frequency changers, communications equipment and various other specialist electrical asset groups. 

 

The Power asset fleet contains plant varying from 60+ year-old heavy mechanical circuit breakers, motor-generator sets and electromechanical disc relays to modern day magnetically and electrically held DC circuit breakers and IED’s communicating via the latest communications protocols with everything else in between.  

 

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. 

 

What will I be doing? 

During your apprenticeship, you will undergo a three-year development program consisting of placements across the HV Power departments. You will see everything from planning to delivery of preventative and reactive maintenance on HV/LV/DC circuit breakers, transformers, frequency changers, batteries, chargers and control & protection systems. You will also be a part of dynamic fault response to the same assets.    

 

Our goal is to provide you with a diverse set of skills and experience essential for a successful career. Recognising that each person's career path is distinct, we tailor every apprentice's journey. Here's a glimpse of what your individual trajectory might entail: 

 

Year 1 

In the initial year, you'll be inducted to both London Underground and the field of engineering. This period will primarily involve delving into fundamental engineering principles at a partner college. Following this phase, you will undergo comprehensive training, including all necessary track and substation safety protocols. This is to enable you to operate safely around our Network.  

 

You will then spend the rest of this first year in placements within Power whilst completing a remote City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering on day release once a week. You will actively engage in the operational side of the business, gaining practical insights from experienced Power engineers across different specialities (Operating, Planning, HV Cables, Plant Maintenance, Plant Breakdown, OLBI, SCADA and Protection). Your role will involve shadowing teams, progressively building your confidence and practical expertise and commencing Logbooks on 40 chosen tasks/topics.  

 

Year 2  

In your second year, you will be released to complete the remote City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering and continue to develop your knowledge and skills around the various departments within Power.  

During this phase, you'll develop proficiency in mechanical hand tool usage, electrical test equipment and lifting equipment.  

Working closely with our dedicated assessor, you'll address a comprehensive range of knowledge questions integral to your qualifications alongside completing your Logbooks. 

You will also be enrolled into in house training including running a substation, continual improvement, and a large range of technical and theoretical training on our specific assets. 

 

Year 3 

As you progress into your final year, you will continue rotating through various sections with a focus on more specialised areas, honing your competencies through diverse methods. The qualifications encompass knowledge assessments and documentation of the practical work you undertake.  

 

Ultimately, you will present yourself for an End Point Assessment interview with an external assessor and complete a 30h site trade test, obtaining the final endorsement that declares you as a proficient Substation Fitter. This endorsement, coupled with the completion of your qualifications and 40 Logbooks, will signify that you are ready to undertake a “Passing Out Interview” and on site walkaround which if successful, will lead to a position as a Plant Fitter or HV Cables Fitter on a permanent LU contract. 

 

Where can this career take me? 

This apprenticeship marks the beginning of your career journey, opening a wide range of roles and opportunities. Upon completion, you'll roll off as a Plant Fitter or High Voltage cables Fitter, contributing to the efficient functioning of our HV Power Network. Depending on your skills and enthusiasm, you may choose to progress into more technical or specialist roles or explore opportunities in management/engineering. The pathway ahead is dynamic and filled with possibilities for your continued growth and success. You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses. These will vary from soft skills training, safety training to technical skills training. Further to this for those who have succeeded and are ambitious, we would discretionally offer sponsorship and release to complete a 2-year part time HNC qualification to aid in your further career development opportunities.   

 

What training and support will you get? 

You will be working towards a Level 3 qualification as a Power Substation Fitter (Distribution). 

Typically, you will be required to attend CONEL college in Enfield initially, as block placement to complete an introduction course (PEO) into bench fitting, followed by the remote learning course with Basingstoke College of Technology. The remaining units will be delivered by your Assessor.  

 

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 scheme sponsors and your Line Manager.  

 

What do we look for? 

Everything we do as an organisation is to ensure that our evolving city remains future proof for millions of Londoners. Our talented apprentices form a vital part of that vision, so it’s important that we find the best people to help us do this. We’re looking for people who are; 

 

  • Analytical, logical and critical thinkers 

  • Team player  

  • Continuing learners with an enquiring mind 

  • Creative and innovative 

  • Practical 

 

As a member of the team, we’ll give you responsibility and the opportunity to add value.  If you’re excited by inspiring and influencing the future of London, then this is the career path for you.  

 

Important Information 

 

  • The apprenticeship scheme will involve working flexible hours to include night and weekend shifts within certain departments. 

  • The location of your work is contingent upon where it is needed. With over 250 substations and assets scattered across Greater London, you will be expected to attend as necessary. 

  • It is a requirement for this role to be able to drive to various sites throughout our network. By the end of the apprenticeship (or confirm if before End Point Assessment) you will be required to hold a full drivers license. 

 

What Qualifications will I gain? 

Level 2 PEO Bench Fitting 

Level 2 City & Guilds Electrical Power Engineering Diploma 

Level 3 Power Industry Substation Fitter (Distribution) ST1331 

 

Assessment 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.

 

You will receive support and information around each assessment stage as you progress through your application.  

  

Please see link on TfL website providing further guidance: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles  

 

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 for apprenticeship roles 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). 

 

Inclusive Recruitment Process 

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for candidates with a disability. Please let us know if you require reasonable adjustments for any stages of the application process. 

We're a Disability Confident employer, and we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who apply via the scheme where the minimum criteria for skills, knowledge and experience have been met.  

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. 

 

Contact us 

 

Contact the recruitment team by 

•            Phone: 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30) 

•            Email: earlycareerscampaigns@tfl.gov.uk