Signals & Communications Apprentice

Signals and Communications Apprentice

CN is home to opportunities for skilled tradespeople who are interested in continually learning and building a career in a safety-focused, team environment. Working on state-of-the-art equipment and train cars that carry freight from coast-to-coast-to-coast, you’ll feel proud knowing you’re a part of what makes the economy work.

And with paid training, you’ll be able to evolve your skills. At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters.

Join us!

Job Summary

The Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) – Canada is responsible for installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining various signals and communications systems and apparatuses, including railway signaling systems, wayside information systems, and highway grade crossing protection systems.

Major Responsibilities
Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus, including automatic blocks, traffic controls, train stops, train controls, cab signals, and interlocking systems
Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipment
Perform highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yards
Use a wide variety of hand tools, bonding rail, and testing signal plans, including on track high-rail equipment and test instruments to bury cable and wire equipment
Ensure a safe working environment by following CN’s safety policies and procedures
Working Conditions
Must be available for shift work, including weekends and nights
Work is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfaces
Regular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrations
Must meet medical fitness for duty requirements
Ability to grasp and work at heights and elevations
Able to perform repetitive physical activities
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally
Must be available to work away from home in isolated locations
Requirements
Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree, or a 2- or 3-year College level program in Electronics, Engineering or other related field such as Physics or Mathematics*
Successful completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including in-class theory and laboratory work, as well as hands-on skill development in the field
Valid Driver’s License
Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Must be at least 18 years of age
Collaborates and maintains positive interactions with others
Ability to work independently, well organized, and maintain schedules
Ability to understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles
Ability to follow company safety procedures, apply critical thinking, and maintain safety awareness
Capable of making effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and when responding to changes, as well as interruptions in work processes
Ability to judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
Meet established standards of quality, productivity, and client satisfaction
Hand-eye coordination
Good climbing and balancing skills for performing installation and maintenance activities
Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules
Basic computer knowledge
Training

The incumbent receives 3 weeks classroom training sessions at 40 hours per week at the CN Campus during the one-year apprentice training program. The training is primarily on health and safety rules, standard codes of practice, installation methods, testing and maintenance procedures, and equipment familiarization.

Successful completion of the classroom training is mandatory to work as a Signal Maintainer. Once qualified, the role is subject to promotion as a Signals and Communications Maintainer and protect seniority as vacancies arise.

This position is a unionized position.

As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement

About CN

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year.

As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.

At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%.

Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at .

As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.%143955% %%protective%%