Trams Engineering

As an apprentice, your three year development programme will be made up of several placements around London Trams. 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. Here’s an idea of what yours could look like:

Year 1

During your first year, you’ll be exposed to all areas of Trams, from maintenance of fleet and infrastructure to working with the operator to see how the service is managed. The intention of the first year is to give you an overall view of how the business operates and how the different areas work together so the Trams network operates efficiently. The placements in the first year will also provide you with the exposure to the disciplines you could potentially specialise in. After completion of the placements, a decision will be made between the apprentice and the business as to where the apprentice’s skills are best suited.

Placement 1 - Stores - Gaining an appreciation of obsolescence management, as well as an understanding of material requirements planning and assisting in materials movements within SAP.

Placement 2 – Control Room - Developing an understanding of various control room processes that manage disruptions and incidents on the network and how the control room manage access to the Tramway.

Placement 3 - Civil Works Offers insight into the cyclical maintenance activities that the London Trams Civils team carry out. An opportunity to learn about the purpose of highways inspections and the health and safety legislation requirements that relate to the Civils team.

Placement 4 – Track– Developing an understanding of the track maintenance regime, a basic understanding of track componentry and undertaking maintenance work with the Track team.

Placement 5 – Fleet– Assisting with maintenance of the tram fleet, undertaking activities as directed by fleet technicians/service delivery managers. Engaging in tram bogie overhaul work as part of projects works required to extend the lifespan of the tram fleet.

Placement 6 – Overhead Line - Undertaking routine inspection, maintenance and component replacement as directed by Overhead Line Supervisor.

Placement 7- Systems –- Undertaking routine inspection, maintenance and component replacement of London Trams systems assets. This can involve working on Passenger Information Displays, points, CCTV cameras, Programmable Logic Computers and many other items of specialist equipment.

Year 2

After completing the placements, the apprentice will choose to specialise in a set discipline (Fleet, Overhead Line, Track or Systems). The remainder of the apprenticeship scheme is then geared around providing the placements which are required in order to gain occupational competence. Each placement has set learning objectives that are to be achieved to help work towards achieving the qualifications required for your apprenticeship.