Signals & Communications Apprentice

Qualified Rate : $30.92 Per hourPlease note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.Signals & Communications ApprenticeCN 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 locomotives and 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 SummaryThe Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) 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.Working ConditionsMust be available for shift work, including weekends and nightsWork is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfacesRegular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrationsMust meet medical fitness for duty requirementsAbility to grasp and work at heights and elevationsAble to perform repetitive physical activitiesMust be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionallyMust be available to work away from home in isolated locationsMajor ResponsibilitiesInstall, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus, including automatic blocks, traffic controls, train stops, train controls, cab signals, and interlocking systemsPerform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipmentPerform highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yardsUse 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 equipmentEnsure a safe working environment by following CN’s safety policies and proceduresRequirementsGrade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)Successful completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including in-class theory and laboratory work, as well as hands-on skill development in the fieldValid Driver’s LicenseValid 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 processesAbility to judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects.Meet established standards of quality, productivity, and client satisfaction.Hand-eye coordinationGood climbing and balancing skills for performing installation and maintenance activities.Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating RulesBasic computer knowledgeAssetsCompletion 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 MathematicsWhat We OfferCompetitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension PlanPaid Training and Career DevelopmentMedical, vision, and dental insurance24/7 Telemedicine ServiceEmployee Share Investment PlanEducational Financial Assistance ProgramEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs)Extensive Employee Discount ProgramEmployee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)Paid Training:S&C Apprentices will receive 4 weeks classroom paid training sessions at 40 hours per week at the CN Campus (Homewood, IL) 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.Successful Candidate Process:Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision).Criminal background checkOffer LetterPaid Training Structure:4 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks)4 x2-week training at CN Campus1+ year to become qualified S&C MaintainerAbout CNCN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. 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. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.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 often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet 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 an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates 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.CN is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. Only qualified candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.

Created: 2025-07-14