Signal Design Engineer Apprentice Review

by Transport for London

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

6.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I move around different areas of the business, learning everything related to signalling on the underground. Placements include Major Projects, Signal Design Office, Maintenance Team, Equipment Services and more. My work varies from costing spreadsheets, to physical track maintenance, to CAD design.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I've learned about signalling and the reasons and infrastructure surrounding the signalling system. I've learned more about electrical circuits and different electrical equipment. I have developed my CAD skills on Solidworks and I look forward to using other CAD software in future placements.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

When I first joined I thought the apprenticeship was more focused on mechanical design of signals. I have since learned that is not the case. I enjoy working for TfL it's a great company, but the actual work just isn't for me, I just find spreadsheets boring.

6/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It's not the most organised programme, however I see this as an advantage at TfL because there is so much support available through mentors, scheme sponsors, buddies and others. So you have so many opportunities to turn your apprenticeship into whatever you want. You can pick what you enjoy.

8/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Loads and loads! This is one of the best things about the scheme at TfL. Most of the senior engineers you find also started out as apprentices, so they are so understanding and really take the time to help and explain things. There are also regular meetings with mentors etc.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

City of Westminster is not a good training provider. However I've heard that TfL are looking to change providers so you might not have to deal with them. If you enjoy googling and self teaching yourself a course then you'll enjoy CWC.

1/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

My college work has not helped me with my work. However TfL have really great internal training courses that you will also be sent on which are more focused on signal design. The Electrical Theory course run by TfL actually helped me complete some college assignments.

1/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are loads of groups to join. I am part of the Grad and Apprentice group who organise visits around the company. I am part of the Women's Network Group who organise presentations and mentoring. I volunteer as a STEM Ambassador and have run events at the Transport Museum.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Transport for London to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Because they are an amazing company to work for, if you enjoy the work. Everyone I have worked with has been friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They have great benefits like a free oyster card and the grad and apprentice community is huge. There are so many different placements to try.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Transport for London?

The Signalling Design Engineer Apprenticeship is mainly electrical design and project engineering. Solidworks CAD design is not the main bulk of the work you will be given. There is also a Signal Apprenticeship run by LU not TfL, which is maintenance focused, make sure you apply to the right one!