- Job Title: Signals & Communications Apprentice
- Company: Canadian National Railway Company
- Location: Parry Sound, ON, Canada
- Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
- Category: Skilled Trades, Rail Transportation
- Date Posted: May 27, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Safety-Focused Environment: Prioritizing safety in all aspects of the job.
- Continuous Learning: Opportunities for training and skill development.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
- Physical Demands: Working outdoors in various weather conditions and performing physical tasks.
- Career Growth: Potential for promotion and seniority protection.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong commitment to safety, physical stamina, and a willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic work environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Installation & Maintenance: Install, repair, test, and maintain signal systems, apparatus, and highway grade crossing protection systems.
- Construction Duties: Perform construction tasks such as digging holes, trenching, wiring, and equipment installation.
- Safety Compliance: Ensure a safe working environment by following CN’s safety policies and procedures.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues with signal systems and apparatus.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a variety of tasks that require strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
- Experience: Completion of CN’s apprenticeship program, including in-class theory and laboratory work, as well as hands-on skill development in the field.
- Required Skills:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- At least 18 years of age
- Ability to collaborate and maintain 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.
- 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
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
ASSUMPTION: While not required, a background in electronics, engineering, or a related field can be beneficial for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 CAD per year (based on industry standards for apprentices in this role and location)
- Benefits:
- Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
- Paid Training and Career Development
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- 24/7 Telemedicine Service
- Employee Share Investment Plan
- Educational Financial Assistance Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
- Extensive Employee Discount Program
- Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with shift work, including weekends and nights.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for apprentices in this role and location. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Rail Transportation
- Company Size: 10,001+ employees
- Founded: 1919
- Company Description: CN is a North American transportation and logistics leader focused on supply chain innovation and collaboration. They offer integrated shipping solutions, including rail, intermodal, trucking, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution. CN is committed to safety, environmental stewardship, and building stronger communities.
- Company Specialties: Transportation, Railway, Supply chain, Shipping, Logistics, Intermodal, Freight forwarding, and 3rd party logistics.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Entry-level to mid-career, with opportunities for growth and promotion.
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Signals and Communications Supervisor or Foreman.
- Work Arrangement: On-site, with shift work, including weekends and nights. Some travel may be required for training and project assignments.
- Growth Opportunities: Promotions to Signals and Communications Maintainer and seniority protection as vacancies arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Field-based, with no fixed office location.
- Office Location(s): Parry Sound, ON, Canada
- Geographic Context: Parry Sound is a town located on the shores of Georgian Bay, offering a mix of urban and rural living. It is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Work Schedule: Shift work, including weekends and nights, with varying hours depending on project demands and maintenance needs.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires flexibility to work in various locations and adapt to changing work schedules.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application, phone or video screening, in-person interview, and background check.
- Key Assessment Areas: Technical skills, problem-solving abilities, safety awareness, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Research CN’s safety culture and be ready to discuss your commitment to safety in the workplace.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Hand tools, bonding rail, testing signal plans, on track high-rail equipment, and test instruments for burying cable and wire equipment.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Safety, integrity, collaboration, and sustainability.
- Work Style: Team-oriented, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you ensure your own safety and the safety of others in a work environment with potential hazards?
- Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or responsibilities.
- How do you approach learning new skills or technologies in a fast-paced work environment?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Physical Demands: Working outdoors in various weather conditions and performing physically demanding tasks.
- Shift Work: Working irregular hours, including weekends and nights.
- Travel Requirements: Being away from home for extended periods for training and project assignments.
- Technical Challenges: Troubleshooting complex signal systems and apparatus.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Career Path: This role can lead to promotions and seniority protection as a Signals and Communications Maintainer.
- Industry-Specific Context: Rail transportation offers a stable career path with opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Career Path Comparison: Similar roles in other industries may have different titles, such as Electrical Technician or Maintenance Technician, but share many of the same responsibilities and required skills.
📝 Sample Projects
- Installing and maintaining automatic blocks, traffic controls, train stops, train controls, cab signals, and interlocking systems.
- Performing highway grade crossing protection and automatic classification yards.
- Troubleshooting and repairing signal systems and apparatus.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most common challenges faced by Signals and Communications Apprentices in this role?
- How does CN support the growth and development of its apprentices?
- What are the expectations for on-the-job training and mentorship in this role?
- How does CN ensure the safety of its employees and the public in its operations?
- What are the opportunities for career advancement within the Signals and Communications department?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this [link](https://cn360.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15770?c=cn360).
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, such as electrical, electronic, and mechanical principles, safety awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
- Prepare for the interview by researching CN’s safety culture and practicing behavioral interview questions focusing on problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
- Follow up with the hiring manager within a week after your interview to express your interest in the role and address any concerns or questions that may have arisen during the interview process.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
