Signals & Communications Apprentice

CN360; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading railroad company as a Signals and Communications Apprentice, where you will gain hands-on experience in installing and maintaining critical signaling systems. This role offers paid training and opportunities for career advancement in a safety-focused environment. You will be part of a collaborative team dedicated to excellence and innovation in rail transportation. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this organization values your contributions and supports your professional growth. If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career in skilled trades, this position is for you.

Benefits

Competitive Wages

Paid Training

Insurance

Telemedicine

Employee Share Plans

Educational Assistance

Discounts

ERGs

EFAP

Qualifications

• Completion of CN’s apprenticeship program required.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical principles essential.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain signal systems and apparatus.
• Perform construction duties including digging and wiring.

Skills

Collaboration Skills

Organization Skills

Safety Awareness

Electrical Principles

Mechanical Principles

Decision-Making Skills

Hand-Eye Coordination

Basic Computer Skills

Education

Grade 12 Diploma or GED

Completion of CN’s apprenticeship program

Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics

Tools

Hand Tools

High-Rail Equipment

Job description

Signals & Communications Apprentice

At CN, we are committed to excellence, safety, integrity, and collaboration. We take pride in delivering high-quality work, innovating, and shaping the future of rail transportation. We foster an inclusive environment where teamwork and sustainability drive our success.

If you are interested in skilled trades and continuous learning within a safety-focused environment, consider joining CN. You will work on equipment and structures supporting freight distribution across North America, with paid training and career growth opportunities. Our work matters—join us and advance your career!

Job Summary

The Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) installs, repairs, tests, and maintains signals and communications systems, including railway signaling, wayside information, and highway grade crossings.

Working Conditions

1. Availability for shift work, including weekends and nights.
2. Outdoor work in extreme weather, uneven terrain.
3. Exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, vibrations.
4. Must meet medical fitness requirements.
5. Ability to work at heights, perform repetitive physical activities, lift up to 50 pounds frequently, and 85 pounds occasionally.
6. Willingness to work in isolated locations away from home.

Major Responsibilities

• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems and apparatus.
• Perform construction duties like digging, wiring, setting piers, and installing equipment.
• Manage highway grade crossings and automatic classification yards.
• Use hand tools, bonding rails, testing signal plans, and working with high-rail equipment.
• Follow safety policies to ensure a safe work environment.

Requirements

• Grade 12 Diploma or GED.
• Completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including classroom and hands-on training.
• Valid Driver’s License and CDL.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong collaboration, organization, and safety awareness skills.
• Ability to understand electrical, electronic, mechanical principles.
• Decision-making skills in unfamiliar or changing situations.
• Good judgment on object and part conditions.
• Meeting quality, productivity, and client satisfaction standards.
• Good hand-eye coordination, climbing, and balancing skills.
• Knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules.
• Basic computer skills.

Assets

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or a 2-3 year college program in Electronics, Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages, benefits, pension.
• Paid training and career development.
• Insurance, telemedicine, employee share plans, educational assistance, ERGs, discounts, EFAP.

This is a unionized position with pay and benefits governed by a Collective Agreement.

Paid Training

Initial 4 weeks at a CN Campus (Winnipeg, MB), passing the Electric Fundamentals test, followed by additional training weeks. Successful completion is required to work as a Signal Maintainer, with promotion opportunities to senior roles.

Candidate Process

• Medical assessment, background check, offer letter.
• Training includes classroom, knowledge checks, and tests.
• Approximately 2+ years to qualify as a Signal & Communications Maintainer.

About CN

CN is a leading railroad committed to safety, service, and sustainability, transporting over 300 million tons annually across North America. We value diversity and inclusion, and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, including those requiring accommodations. For assistance, contact [e-mail].

We are an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants without discrimination based on race, gender, or other protected statuses. We appreciate your interest and will contact only candidates under consideration. Please monitor your email for updates.