S&C Apprentice
Listed on 2026-11-05
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Trades / Skilled Labor
Maintenance Technician / Mechanic, Installation Technician, Electrician / Electrical Installation, Field/Service Technician
Please note that the language you select on this site will be the primary language used for all future communications regarding your application.
Please 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 and other perks.
At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work that we do matters. Every day, our team of dedicated railroaders power the North American economy from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence.
If you enjoy hands‑on tasks, working outdoors, and have a safety‑first mindset, a career in railway operations might be right for you. With fresh challenges, paid training, and a host of great benefits - a career at CN means work that makes a true difference in the lives of people.
Job SummaryThe incumbent 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.
Main 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
- 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
- Relevant experience working in a similar environment
- High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
- Valid driver's licence
- Must hold or be able to qualify for valid Rail Operating Rules (ROR) qualifications
- We Care About Each Other
- We Strive for Excellence
- We Succeed Together
- 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
The incumbent receives 3 weeks classroom training sessions at 40 hours per week at the CN Campus 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.
This position is a unionized position. As such, pay and benefits are governed by the applicable collective agreement.
About CN
CN 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…
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