Signals & Communications Apprentice

Job SummaryThe Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) – Canada 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.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 systemsPerform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting piers, and installing equipmentPerform highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yardsUse 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 equipmentEnsure a safe working environment by following CN’s safety policies and procedures Working Conditions Must be available for shift work, including weekends and nightsWork is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfacesRegular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrationsMust meet medical fitness for duty requirementsAbility to grasp and work at heights and elevationsAble to perform repetitive physical activitiesMust be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionallyMust be available to work away from home in isolated locations Requirements Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)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*Successful completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including in-class theory and laboratory work, as well as hands-on skill development in the fieldValid Driver’s LicenseValid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)Must be at least 18 years of ageCollaborates and maintains positive interactions with othersAbility to work independently, well organized, and maintain schedulesAbility to understand and apply electrical, electronic, and mechanical principlesAbility to follow company safety procedures, apply critical thinking, and maintain safety awarenessCapable of making effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and when responding to changes, as well as interruptions in work processesAbility to judge the condition of objects and parts for wear and defectsMeet established standards of quality, productivity, and client satisfactionHand-eye coordinationGood climbing and balancing skills for performing installation and maintenance activitiesKnowledge of signals or Rail Operating RulesBasic computer knowledge TrainingThe 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