Signals & Communications Apprentice

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Signals & Communications Apprentice 🔹 Company: Canadian National Railway Company 🔹 Location: Timmins, ON, Canada 🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site 🔹 Category: Skilled Trades - Apprenticeship 🔹 Date Posted: May 27, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Installing, repairing, and maintaining railway signaling systems, wayside information systems, and highway grade crossing protection systems. - Working outdoors in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain. - Collaborating with a team to ensure a safe working environment. - Meeting medical fitness for duty requirements and maintaining a valid driver's license. - Assumption: This role requires a high level of physical fitness and the ability to work in isolated locations. 📋 Key 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. Assumption: The role involves working with heavy machinery and equipment, requiring a strong understanding of safety protocols. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Grade 12 Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) Experience: - Successful 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) - Ability to grasp and work at heights and elevations - Ability to perform repetitive physical activities - Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally - 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 Skills: - 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: Candidates should have a strong background in electrical, electronic, or mechanical engineering, as well as a solid understanding of safety protocols and procedures. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 CAD per year (based on experience level and industry standards for skilled trades apprenticeships) 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 is an estimate based on industry standards for skilled trades apprenticeships. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. 📌 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. We offer integrated shipping solutions, including rail, intermodal, trucking, freight forwarding, warehousing, and distribution. We are an engaged corporate citizen, committed to the safety of our employees, customers, and the public. CN is invested in building shareholder value and stronger communities, focused on environmental stewardship and developing an exceptional environment in the workplace. Company Specialties: - Transportation - Railway - Supply chain - Shipping - Logistics - Intermodal - Freight forwarding - Third-party logistics Company Website: https://www.cn.ca Assumption: CN is a large, established company with a strong focus on safety and sustainability. Working at CN offers opportunities for career growth and development within the transportation and logistics industry. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level (depending on experience and qualifications) Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Signals and Communications Supervisor or Manager. Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position with shift work, including weekends and nights. The role may also require working away from home in isolated locations. Growth Opportunities: - After successfully completing the apprenticeship program, the role is subject to promotion as a Signals and Communications Maintainer and protect seniority as vacancies arise. - CN offers extensive training and development opportunities to help employees grow within the company. Assumption: This role offers long-term career prospects and opportunities for professional development within the railway industry. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Field-based, with no fixed office location Office Location(s): Timmins, ON, Canada Geographic Context: - Timmins is located in northeastern Ontario, Canada, and has a population of approximately 43,000 people. - The city is situated in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and is known for its natural resources, including gold, silver, copper, and zinc. - Timmins has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Work Schedule: Shift work, including weekends and nights, with varying hours depending on the specific assignment and operational needs. Assumption: The work environment can be challenging due to the remote locations and varying weather conditions. However, CN provides extensive safety training and equipment to ensure the well-being of its employees. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission 2. Phone or video screening 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members 4. Background check and reference check 5. Medical assessment and drug test 6. Job offer and onboarding Key Assessment Areas: - Technical skills and knowledge of signals or Rail Operating Rules - Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities - Physical fitness and ability to work in various weather conditions - Teamwork and collaboration skills - Adaptability and willingness to work in isolated locations Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role. - Be prepared to discuss your understanding of railway signaling systems and your ability to work in a safety-focused environment. - Research CN's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the organization. ATS Keywords: Signals, Communications, Railway, Safety, Maintenance, Installation, Repair, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Teamwork, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Isolated Locations, Weather Conditions Assumption: CN uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out to the hiring manager. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Hand tools (e.g., wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers) - Bonding rail and testing signal plans - On track high-rail equipment and test instruments - Personal protective equipment (PPE) - Safety protocols and procedures Assumption: CN provides the necessary tools and equipment for employees to perform their job duties safely and effectively. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Safety: CN prioritizes the safety of its employees, customers, and the public above all else. - Integrity: CN expects its employees to act with unwavering integrity and hold themselves accountable for their actions. - Collaboration: CN fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork to achieve exceptional results. - Sustainability: CN is committed to sustainable practices and minimizing its environmental impact. Work Style: - Safety-focused: CN's top priority is the safety of its employees, customers, and the public. - Collaborative: CN values teamwork and encourages employees to work together to achieve common goals. - Adaptable: CN operates in a dynamic industry and requires employees to be flexible and adaptable to change. - Results-driven: CN expects its employees to deliver exceptional results and continuously improve their performance. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you ensure the safety of yourself and others while working in remote locations? 2. Can you describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or schedule? 3. How do you approach working as part of a team to achieve a common goal? Assumption: CN values employees who are safety-conscious, adaptable, and able to work effectively in a team environment. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Physical Demands: The role requires working outdoors in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain, which can be physically demanding. 2. Isolation: The role may require working away from home in isolated locations, which can be challenging for some individuals. 3. Shift Work: The role involves shift work, including weekends and nights, which can disrupt personal and family schedules. 4. Safety Responsibilities: The role requires a strong commitment to safety and the ability to follow safety protocols and procedures at all times. Assumption: CN provides extensive safety training and equipment to help employees overcome these challenges and work safely and effectively. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Role Differentiation: Unlike other maintenance roles, this position focuses specifically on signals and communications systems, requiring a unique skill set and knowledge base. 2. Industry Context: The rail industry is highly regulated and safety-focused, which can make the work environment more structured and demanding than other industries. 3. Career Path: After successfully completing the apprenticeship program, this role offers opportunities for promotion and career growth within the railway industry. Assumption: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in signals and communications systems and build a long-term career in the rail industry. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Signal System Installation: Design and install a new signal system to improve safety and efficiency on a specific railway line. 2. Signal System Upgrade: Upgrade an existing signal system to meet new safety standards or accommodate increased traffic. 3. Grade Crossing Protection: Implement a new highway grade crossing protection system to improve safety for both rail and road traffic. Assumption: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of technical expertise required for this role. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. Responsibilities: Can you describe the day-to-day responsibilities of this role and how they may vary depending on the specific assignment? 2. Team Structure: How is the Signals and Communications team structured, and how does this role fit within the team? 3. Training: What kind of training and development opportunities are available for this role, and how does CN support the growth of its employees? 4. Work Environment: How does CN ensure the safety and well-being of its employees working in remote and isolated locations? 5. Career Growth: What opportunities are there for career growth and advancement within the company for this role? Assumption: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for professional development. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through this link: 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience for this role. 3. Prepare for your interview by researching CN's company culture and values, and practicing your responses to common interview questions. 4. Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications. 5. If you are offered the position, carefully review the offer and negotiate any necessary terms before accepting. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.