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What’s it like to be a Train Maintainer at TfL? We caught up with Jessica and Harry to find out from them.

Train Maintainer isn’t a typical role that might appeal to people – what made you apply for the role?

Jessica: I chose this job because I wanted a job where I would be challenged with new problems everyday. At the time I applied for the role, I had just finished studying for my A-levels and wanted a job that was more interact, that kept my mind and body active.

Were you inspired by anything or anyone in particular?

Harry: I was inspired to work for the Underground due to it being a world renowned company providing a world class train service to the public of London.

What were you doing before you became a Train Maintainer?

H: Before I became a train maintainer, I served in a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship gaining NVQ’s and BTEC certification gaining experience from Rolling Stock around the business. Before I started in my apprenticeship, I was studying in sixth form studying for my A-Levels in Business, Sport & Engineering.

Now that you’re in the role, what are the best parts about it?

J: My team is definitely the best part of my job. They are all so supportive and have a lot of experience, so I am always able to learn from them as well as lean on them if I require any help.

H: Some of the best parts of being in the role are that there are always great opportunities to better yourself including attending extra courses and helping to fix faults and gaining experience with Advanced Train Maintainers. It is also very rewarding knowing that you are contributing to providing a safe and reliable service to the people of London.

What are some of the perks or benefits to being a Train Maintainer?

H: There are many perks to being a Train Maintainer. You get a great salary, a great pension and a good amount of annual leave. You get to work in a good environment with lots of friendly people who are always willing to help you gain experience, and there is a great team atmosphere. Everyday can present new challenges so you are constantly learning.

This role has a variety of shift patterns. How do these work for you and your life outside of work?

J: This job is safety critical therefore I always make sure I have enough sleep before I start work. I know my shift pattern for the year from the beginning of the year therefore I am always able to plan ahead and book annual leave if anything clashes with my shift.

What are some of the challenges you face in the role?

H: Some of the challenges you face in the role of a Train Maintainer, are that you will get different situations that need to be dealt with in a safe and timely manner. This could range from a fault being discovered with the traction system when testing the train, post-lift, to a leak being detected in the braking system, which all need to be dealt with before the train can go back into public service safely.

My team is definitely the best part of my job. They are all so supportive and have a lot of experience, so I am always able to learn from them as well as lean on them if I require any help.

What are the highlights of the role for you?

H: We are like a big Underground family, where everyone is friendly and welcoming. It is also very rewarding knowing that you are providing a safe and reliable service for the public of London. I also enjoy self-developing in the role to better myself and further my career within fleet and within London Underground.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for this role?

J: GO FOR IT. Applying for this job is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

H: Apply now, as it is a great role to go into and a fantastic company to work for. Best decision I ever made. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t hear right away, it is a lengthy process with lots of applicants, but is worth it in the end.