If you are interested in getting your career moving with CN, here are a few basic requirements to look out for. Keep in mind that application delays will depend on the position being applied for, and candidates will be informed on the status of their application through the email they’ve applied with.
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Complete Your Online Application Accurately
Be Curious About CN
Make Sure Your Resume is Relevant to CN
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Show Interest in Safety, Collaboration and Learning
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Conductors coordinate the assembly of trains and execute any groundwork outside the locomotive cab while in the yard or en-route (ex: operating track switches, picking up rail cars, making emergency repairs, etc.).
* The complete list of Working Conditions and Requirements for this role are available on the relevant job posting. APPLY
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Conductor role at CN:
The recruitment process for the Conductor position will typically take approximately 8 weeks in between being invited to an information session to an offer being extended.
Candidates for the Conductor role at CN will have to successfully complete screening assessments to progress with their application. These assessments aim to test logical problem-solving skills, identify work styles and behavioural dispositions, and gauge safety orientation.
Once a start date is offered, candidates will be considered Conductor trainees and will take part in a comprehensive paid training program at a CN Campus with travel, meals, and accommodations covered for by the company. The Conductor paid training program is divided into the following (Canada):
The Conductor paid training program is divided into the following (United States):
* The specific number of weeks spent in training will depend on the requirements of the terminal and union agreement.
Conductor trainees will be required to pass a final exam to maintain their role and ensure that they have received adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN’s safety culture. An additional two-week fitness training is then assigned to better prepare for the physical requirements of the role, including physical training and equipment simulations. Newly hired conductors can expect to spend approximately six to eight months as Conductor Trainees.
Electricians perform inspection, maintenance and the repair of the electrical assembly on the locomotive fleet. They work on electronics components, computer systems, fuel injector systems and troubleshoot locomotive failures.
* The complete list of Working Conditions and Requirements for this role are available on the relevant job posting. Apply
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for an Electrician role at CN:
Newly hired Electricians take part in several weeks of paid training, which includes a mix of classroom instruction and field experience. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory to maintain their role as an Electrician at CN.
The Electrician paid training program is divided into the following::
The Signals and Communications Apprentice (S&C) 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.
* The complete list of Working Conditions and Requirements for this role are available on the relevant job posting.
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Signals & Communications Apprentice role at CN:
The selection process for the S&C Apprentice role can typically take up to four to six weeks between the time candidates are invited for their information session to receiving the final results of their application.
Successful candidates will receive paid training and will spend one year as S&C Apprentices. The training is primarily on health and safety rules, standard codes of practice, installation methods, and equipment familiarization.
Successful completion of the training is mandatory to work as an S&C Apprentice at CN. Once qualified, the role is subject to promotion as a S&C Maintainer.
The Car Mechanic Apprentice inspects, maintains, builds, repairs and rebuilds railway freight cars and equipment in accordance with federal and company regulations.
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Mechanic (Car) role at CN:
The selection process for the Mechanic (Car) role can typically up to four to six weeks between the time candidates are invited for their information session to receiving a final decision on their application. Training
Car Mechanics will take part in training that includes classroom instructions and field training during their first months of service. The training guides the new Car Mechanic through the critical safety skills required to work on the railroad. Successful completion of the training course is mandatory to work as a Car Mechanic at CN.
The Mechanic (Car) paid training program is divided into the following:
The newly hired Car Mechanic will be considered an Apprentice until they have graduated, which takes an average of three years – unless they have previous experience or formal training which has been accepted by the Organization.
Heavy Duty Mechanics (HDM) perform major and minor repairs, overhauls and servicing on all types of locomotives.
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Mechanic (HDM) role at CN:
The selection process for the Mechanic (HDM) role can typically up to four to six weeks between the time candidates are invited for their information session to receiving a final decision on their application.
Successful candidates will receive paid on-the-job training covering both theoretical and practical instructions. The training guides the new Heavy-Duty Mechanic (HDM) through the critical safety skills required to work on the railroad.
The Mechanic (HDM) paid training program is divided into the following:
Candidates may receive a four-year on-the-job apprenticeship program depending on their prior experience. Successful completion of this program is essential for performance of future duties as an HDM at CN.
The Rail Track Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing and replacing rails, ties, switches and ballasts. The role performs outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions and ensures a safe working environment.
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Track Maintainer role at CN:
The selection process for the Track Maintainer role can typically take up to four to six weeks between the time candidates are invited for their information session to receiving a final decision on their application.
Successful candidates will take part in classroom training (either Winnipeg, MB or Homewood, Ill) with additional on-the-job training to help ensure that they have received the adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN’s safety culture.
The Track Maintainer paid training program is divided into the following:
The training is primarily on health and safety rules as successful completion of the classroom and on-the-job training is mandatory to continue employment as a Track Maintainer at CN.
The Labourer/Hostler is responsible for the day-to-day operations in the locomotive shops. The incumbent collaborates with a large team on day-to-day tasks to ensure the safety and success of CN’s operations.
Here’s what to expect once you have completed your online application for a Labourer/Hostler role at CN:
The selection process for the Labourer/Hostler role can typically take up to four to six weeks between the time candidates are invited for their information session to receiving a final decision on their application.
Successful candidates will take part in a paid training program to help ensure that they have received the adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN’s safety culture.
The Labourer/Hostler paid training program is divided into the following:
Completion of the classroom and on-the-job training is mandatory to continue employment as a Labourer/Hostler at CN.