LU Escalators Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

Future of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 16,000 - GBP 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation authority is seeking a LIFT AND ESCALATOR ELECTROMECHANIC apprentice. The role involves maintaining escalators and lifts primarily during night shifts, which encompasses a diverse range of mechanical and electrical work. The apprenticeship lasts three years and includes opportunities for growth within the organization. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 GCSEs in Maths and English and be at least 18 years old by September 2026. Training and qualifications are provided throughout the program.

Benefits

Free travel on the TfL network

Discounted rail travel

Minimum 29 days annual leave

Tax-efficient cycle-to-work programme

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold or work toward a minimum of 2 GCSEs A*-C/grade 4 or above including Maths and English.
• Must be 18 years old by 7th September 2026.
• Original certificates and/or predicted grades required for eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair escalators and lifts during night shifts.
• Partake in heavy refurbishment team activities.
• Conduct various assessments including observations and exams.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Electrical skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Minimum 2 GCSEs A*-C in Maths and English

Tools

Engineering tools and equipment

Job description

LU Escalators Engineering Level 3 Apprenticeship

Location: Multiple locations, TfL Corporate

Company: TfL, GLA or OPDC

The application will contain a series of questions to establish your eligibility. Please read through the eligibility criteria below carefully and ensure that you are eligible before applying.

Please Note: We only allow one application for any of our Apprenticeship scheme per year. Any subsequent applications will be withdrawn.

London Underground Escalators Engineering - Level 3

Role: LIFT AND ESCALATOR ELECTROMECHANIC

London Underground introduced the first ‘moving staircase’ in 1911. Today, London Underground’s escalators must operate for more than 20 hours a day, 364 days per year, with high availability and reliability for at least 20 years. A raised level of technical competence is required to maintain it.

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 must hold or be working toward a minimum of 2 GCSEs 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 are 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.

Should you be successful in getting an offer for this apprenticeship scheme, your offer will be subject to a satisfactory medical which may include drugs and alcohol screening, hearing tests and eyesight tests including Ishihara Plates and Colour Assessment to determine colour deficiency.

What Qualifications can you gain?

Level 4 Knowledge Certificate

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 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 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 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. Every apprentice’s journey is unique, and placements will be tailored accordingly.

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 to ensure you gain 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 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 progress to the multi-skilled Fitter 2 role, with potential to advance to Fitter 1, Team Leader and Area Manager. You’ll also have opportunities to complete additional training courses, varying from soft skills to technical skills.

Many of our current Lifts & Escalator senior management team began their career with this apprenticeship.

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 work towards a Level 3 NVQ Diploma qualification in Engineering Maintenance across workplace placements. Depending on your programme, there is potential to obtain a University-Delivered Level 4 knowledge certificate. This will lead to gaining the Lift and Escalator Electromechanic apprenticeship standard.

We’ll support your technical development through on-the-job experiences and placements, classroom-led training, online courses, mentoring opportunities, and structured networking. 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 experiences. You'll also receive one-to-one guidance from:

• Apprenticeship Development Manager: Managing your overall programme and line manager responsibilities
• Placement manager: Time at placement and development support
• Scheme sponsor: A senior manager who acts as technical and professional lead
• Buddy: An ex-apprentice or experienced service controller in your desired role

What do we look for?

Our core values are important to us, and we desire candidates who are:

• Caring about colleagues, customers and work
• Open to ideas, collaboration and teamwork
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

Application process

Our application system requires all applicants to upload a CV. CVs are used to confirm eligibility criteria; cover letters are not read. The process consists of 5 steps with online assessments to be completed within a specified timeframe.

You will receive information and guidance around each assessment stage as you progress. Please pay attention to emails and deadlines; you have 1 week to complete online assessments and tests will not be re-issued after the deadline.

Assessment centres for apprentice roles will take place from March to May 2026. Many roles have only 1 assessment day. In-person and virtual assessment centres are role-dependent.

Our city. Made better by you.

TfL is a place that’s open to your ideas. You can make a tangible impact and see the results of your work. It’s a place where you can thrive, feel pride in your work, and build a better city for everyone.

Inclusive recruitment process

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We strive for an inclusive recruitment process. We are a disability-confident employer that guarantees an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all essential criteria. In high-volume campaigns, the minimum criteria include a pass in the first-stage assessments under 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. You can contact the recruitment team by phone at 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30).