Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

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.

Signal Workers are primarily responsible for performing FRA regulatory test and inspections of the signals systems and crossings. Install, repair, and maintain, test and inspect various equipment such as signals lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, as well as crossing warning devices as well as the maintenance and repair of automated classification yards. Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems including Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal and interlocking systems.

Other general duties include cable locates, painting and housekeeping of signal housings & equipment; climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections. Use of a wide 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, etc. 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.

Weeks 1-3:
Signal Training-1 (McDonough, GA)

Weeks 4-16: OJT Signal Construction Gang

Weeks 11-19:
Signal Training-2 (McDonough, GA)

Weeks 20-40: OJT Signal Maintenance Training

Weeks 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 will be required to pass a series of periodic tests relating to duties, responsibilities, and operating rules. In the circumstance that an apprentice fails any of the periodic testing, their application for employment may be rejected at that time.

Apprentices that successfully complete the training will then be placed on the seniority district roster hired and is eligible to bid on Signalman or Signal Maintainer roles.

Probation period is 90 days in which you must secure a Class A CDL.

Rate of Pay

Initial 3 weeks at the Norfolk Southern Training Center – Compensation is $1,200.00 per week.

First Period (through day 130) – Compensation is $36.48 per hour.

Second period (next 130 days) – Compensation is $36.85 per hour.

After completion of these 275 days, new hires will receive 100%, which is $37.98 per hour.

Medical Benefits

Company Benefits - Eligible 1st 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)

$20K Life Insurance

401 (K) First Day of Employment

After 1st year of service:
Eligible for Dental / Vision

Job Related

Experience:

Minimum Level: 1-2 years

Preferred Level: 3-5 years

Education:

Required:

High School diploma or GED

Preferred Level: Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)

Preferred Majors:
Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer

Licenses /

Certifications:

Required:

CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)

Skills and Abilities:

Time Management

Prioritizing Work Demands

Communication Skills

Multi-tasking

Planning and Organizing

MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing

Career Path:

Predecessor Jobs:
None

Future Jobs:
Supervisor C&S

Environment:
Outdoor/Field

Shift Work:
No

On-Call:
Yes

Weekend Work:
Yes

Travel Required:

Yes (75% during training; dynamic after mark-up)