Signals & Communications Apprentice- EN

Qualified rate: $30.92 per hour. New hires may start at a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period.

About the role

As a Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C), you will install, repair, test, and maintain various signals and communications systems and apparatuses, including railway signaling systems, wayside information systems, and highway grade crossing protection systems. This role offers paid training and the opportunity to evolve your skills while working on equipment and structures that support freight distribution across North America.

Working Conditions

• Available for shift work, including weekends and nights
• Work performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain
• Regular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrations
• Must meet medical fitness for duty requirements
• Able to work at heights and elevations
• Perform repetitive physical activities
• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 85 pounds
• Available to work away from home in isolated locations

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, laying cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipment
• Work on highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yards
• Use hand tools, bond rail, test signal plans, operate on-track high-rail equipment, and use test instruments to bury cable and wire equipment
• Ensure a safe working environment by following CN’s safety policies and procedures

Requirements

• Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
• Successful completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including in-class theory, laboratory work, and hands-on skill development
• Valid Driver’s License and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• At least 18 years of age
• Collaborative with positive interactions
• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and maintain schedules
• Understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles
• Follow company safety procedures, apply critical thinking, and maintain safety awareness
• Make effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and respond to changes or interruptions
• Judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defects
• Meet quality, productivity, and client satisfaction standards
• Good hand-eye coordination and climbing/balancing skills for installation and maintenance
• Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules
• Basic computer knowledge

Assets

• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or a 2- or 3-year College program in Electronics, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related field

Benefits

• Competitive wages, benefits, and pension plan
• Paid training and career development
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 24/7 Telemedicine Service
• Employee Share Investment Plan (ESIP)
• Educational Financial Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
• Extensive Employee Discount Program
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Pay

Qualified rate: $30.92 per hour. New hires may start at a lower rate during their qualifying period.

Training Structure

• 4 weeks of paid classroom training at CN Campus (Homewood, IL) during the one-year apprenticeship, covering health and safety rules, standard codes of practice, installation methods, testing, maintenance procedures, and equipment familiarization
• 4 additional 2-week training sessions at CN Campus
• 1+ year to become a qualified S&C Maintainer
• Successful completion of classroom training is mandatory to work as a Signal Maintainer
• Upon qualification, eligible for promotion to Signals and Communications Maintainer as vacancies arise

About CN

CN is a premium railroad committed to safety, service, and sustainability. We transport over 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods across North America annually via a 20,000-mile rail network connecting Canada’s coasts with the U.S. South. CN contributes to community prosperity and sustainable trade, with programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. We are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive, and sustainable railroad.