2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH)

About the Role

Apprentice Signal Trainees will be trained to perform the duties of Signal Workers. Signal Workers are an important link between ensuring compliance to FRA regulations and customer satisfaction while achieving the safest, most efficient railroad operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform FRA regulatory tests and inspections of signal systems and crossings.
• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect various equipment such as signal lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, and crossing warning devices.
• Maintain and repair automated classification yards.
• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems including Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal, and interlocking systems.
• Perform cable locates, painting, and housekeeping of signal housings and equipment.
• Climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections.
• Use a wide variety of hand tools, on-track high-rail equipment, and test instruments.
• Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting foundations, and installing equipment.
• Travel and on-call availability, including weekends.

Training Program

Successful applicants will participate in a 52-week paid apprenticeship training program that includes in-class theory, lab work, and hands-on skill development in the field.

• Week 1-3: Signal Training-1 (McDonough, GA)
• Week 4-16: OJT Signal Construction Gang
• Week 11-19: Signal Training-2 (McDonough, GA)
• Weeks 20-40: OJT Signal Maintenance Training
• Week 41-43: Signal Training-3 (McDonough, GA)
• Weeks 44-52: Additional OJT training

The in-class portion of the training program consists of three sessions, each three weeks long, held in McDonough, GA. These sessions are mandatory. Apprentices must pass a series of periodic tests relating to duties, responsibilities, and operating rules. Failure of any test may result in rejection of employment. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be placed on the seniority district roster and are eligible to bid on Signalman or Signal Maintainer roles in the following regions:

• Eastern Region North (ERN)
• Norfolk & Western (NW)
• Southern Lines East (SLE)
• Southern Lines West (SLW)
• Western Region East (WRE)
• Western Region West (WRW)

A 90-day probation period requires securing a Class A CDL.

Pay

• Initial 3 weeks at the Norfolk Southern Training Center: $1,200.00 per week
• First Period (through day 130): $36.48 per hour
• Second Period (next 130 days): $37.98 per hour
• After 275 days: $37.98 per hour (100% rate)

Benefits

• Medical Benefits: Eligible on the 1st day of the second month after hire (during training). 80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents.
• Union Benefits (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - BRS): Available after mark-up from Trainee status.
  • Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
  • $20K Life Insurance
• 401(K): Eligible from the first day of employment.
• Dental/Vision: Eligible after 1 year of service.

Requirements

• Education:
  • Required: High School diploma or GED
  • Preferred: Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS) in Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
• Licenses/Certifications:
  • CDL Class A License (must secure within 111 days of hire date)
• Experience:
  • Minimum: 1-2 years
  • Preferred: 3-5 years

Skills and Abilities

• Time Management
• Prioritizing Work Demands
• Communication Skills
• Multi-tasking
• Planning and Organizing
• Proficiency in MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing

Schedule

• Shift Work: No
• On-Call: Yes
• Weekend Work: Yes
• Travel Required: Yes (75% during training; dynamic after mark-up)

Work Conditions

• Outdoor/Field environment