Careers

Basically, this is an operational programme where you’ll work with colleagues from across the capital and deal with customers from all over the world. We’re a 24/7 organisation, so you’ll be working shifts which could start early or finish late. And there’s a great deal of importance resting on your shoulders – everything we do is about providing a first-class, efficient, safe service, and you’ll help us deliver that.

At the end of the two years, it’s really a case of ‘what’s your line?’. We’ll look at how you’ve performed and see where your strengths lie, coupled with our own operational needs. You could then be offered a job as a Station Supervisor, a Service Operator or a Train Operator. But things don’t end there of course. We’ll see you as the future of our organisation, part of the next generation of talented managers who will steer us through the challenges of the 21st century. It’s a very real possibility you could be a manager by your early twenties.

Station Supervisors

Station Supervisors support the front-line ‘face’ of London Underground. When our customers need advice on anything from tickets and routes, to journey planning and special needs (such as wheelchair access) they can turn to our station staff who will point them in the right direction. All in all, they keep stations running smoothly and safely.

Being a Station Supervisor is a great start to your career on the Tube. You’ll have already demonstrated that you can be alert and quick-witted, as well as friendly and helpful. Once you’ve mastered this role, there are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards. For instance, you could become a Duty Manager, or move across into a more specialist role such as a Signal Operator or Train Operator. In time, there’s every chance to grow into a management role.

Over the course of the programme you’ll learn about:

different ticket types
the diversity of customer profiles
safety and evacuation procedures
operation of ticket machines and barriers
leadership
customer communication

Service Operators

It’s a big responsibility being a Service Operator: you’ll be absolutely crucial to the efficiency and safety of the Tube network. As you can imagine, there’s a complex network with a myriad of lines and busy intersections. But, in a nutshell, it’s about making sure trains go in the right direction, at the right time. Each signal cabin and control centre is unique, and every Service Operator has his or her favourite. While some cabins use manual lever systems, more and more now boast the latest in digital technology. During the programme, you’ll learn a number of skills including:

Decision-making
Accountability
Communication
operation of signalling equipment
incident management

Train Operators

Watching Train Operators pull into the station in their cab, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s quite an isolated, even lonely occupation. In reality, it’s an important service role, where you’ll be in constant contact with the control room, Service Operators and customers. For instance, when we have any service issues or delays, you’ll be the one responsible for reassuring our customers and providing them with accurate information.

However, it’s safe to say that being a Train Operator isn’t the most sociable job in the world, as you are on your own a lot of the time. You need to be self-motivated. You also need the ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to put yourself in the customer’s shoes.

Some of the things you’ll learn about on the programme include:

Fault diagnosis
Rolling stock (i.e. different types of train and carriage)
Driving a train under the supervision of an Instructor