Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee; Bellevue, OH

2025 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH)

Primary

Purpose:

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.

• Perform FRA regulatory test and inspections of signal systems and crossings.
• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect equipment such as signal lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, crossing warning devices, and 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, housekeeping of signal housings & equipment; climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections.
• Use a 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, installing equipment.
• This role requires travel and on-call availability, including weekends.

• Successful applicants will participate in a 52‑week paid apprenticeship training program that includes in‑class theory and lab work with hands‑on skill development in the field.
• Week Overview
  • 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 that are three weeks long each. These sessions are in McDonough, GA and are mandatory.
• Apprentices must pass periodic tests; failure 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 districts:
  • Eastern Region North (ERN)
  • Norfolk & Western (NW)
  • Southern Lines East (SLE)
  • Southern Lines West (SLW)
  • Western Region East (WRE)
  • Western Region West (WRW)
• Probation period is 90 days, during which you must secure a Class A CDL.

• 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) – $36.85 per hour.
• After completion of 275 days, new hires receive 100% of $37.98 per hour.

• Company benefits – eligible first day of 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).
• $20,000 Life Insurance.
• 401(k) – first day of employment.
• After first year of service:
  Eligible for dental/vision.

• Minimum level: 1‑2 years.
• Preferred level: 3‑5 years.

• Required:
  
  High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred:
  Technical certification or associate degree (AS).
• Preferred majors:
  Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

• Required:
  
  CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date).
• Preferred:
  None listed.

• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Multi‑tasking
• Planning and Organizing
• MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing

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Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.