Signals & Communications Apprentice

CN; Prince George; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Signals and Communications Apprentice to join their team. In this role, you will be responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining crucial signals and communications systems that ensure the safety and efficiency of railway operations. The position offers a unique opportunity to work outdoors in various conditions, develop hands-on skills through a comprehensive apprenticeship program, and receive competitive wages and benefits. If you are passionate about technology and safety in transportation, this is the perfect chance to advance your career in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive Wages

Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance

Paid Training

Employee Share Investment Plan

Educational Financial Assistance

Employee Resource Groups

Extensive Employee Discount Program

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver's license.
• Ability to understand electrical and mechanical principles is essential.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain signal systems and apparatus.
• Perform construction duties such as digging and laying cables.

Skills

Electrical Principles

Mechanical Principles

Critical Thinking

Hand-eye Coordination

Climbing Skills

Balancing Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Grade 12 Diploma or GED

Completion of CN’s Apprenticeship Program

Bachelor’s Degree or College Program in Electronics/Engineering

Tools

Hand Tools

Testing Instruments

High-rail Equipment

Job description

The 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 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.

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.

Requirements

• Grade 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 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.

Assets

• 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.

What We Offer

• Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan.
• Paid Training and Career Development.
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Employee Share Investment Plan.
• Educational Financial Assistance Program.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Extensive Employee Discount Program.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

This position is a unionized position, as such pay and benefits are governed by the applicable Collective Agreement.

Paid Training:

Signals & Communications apprentices will spend an initial 3 weeks receiving paid training at a CN Campus (Winnipeg, MB) and must pass their Electric Fundamentals test before returning to CN Campus for an additional 4 x 2-week training weeks during their apprenticeship 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 check.

Paid Training Structure:

• 3 weeks at CN Campus (Classroom training & Knowledge Checks).
• Electric Fundamentals Test.
• 4 x 2-week training at CN Campus.
• 2+ years to become qualified S&C Maintainer.