S&C Apprentice (Illinois Central)

Currently recruiting

Open from October 16, 2026 to January 16, 2027
Listing Title
S&C Apprentice (Illinois Central)
Posted
October 16, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL (60602)
Description
S&C Apprentice (Illinois Central) Canadian National Railway - 3.0 Chicago, IL Job Details Apprenticeship $41.53 an hour 8 hours ago Benefits Paid training Qualifications Cable systems installation Computer operation Electrical equipment repair Communication system installation Equipment repair Outdoor work experience Computer literacy Electrical work High school diploma or GED Driver's License Rail technical troubleshooting Equipment inspection Field engineering equipment installation Electrical maintenance Construction experience Equipment testing Safety standard operating procedures Hand tools Technical Proficiency Entry level Electronic equipment testing Mechanical systems repair Full Job Description Job Description Apply now S&C Apprentice (Illinois Central) Req Id: 1181 Job Location: Chicago - IL, Libertyville - IL, Rockford - IL Business Unit: Operations Highest Level Division: Engineering Posting Start Date: 10/16/26 Posting End Date: 10/31/2026 11:59 EDT French/English Bilingual Requirement: No Qualified Rate: $41.53 Per hour Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks. At CN, the careers we offer are meaningful because the work that we do matters. Every day, our team of dedicated railroaders power the North American economy from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with an unwavering commitment to safety and service excellence. If you enjoy hands-on tasks, working outdoors, and have a safety-first mindset, a career in railway operations might be right for you. With fresh challenges, paid training, and a host of great benefits - a career at CN means work that makes a true difference in the lives of people. Join us today and get your career moving! Job Summary The incumbent 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. Main 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 Working Conditions Must be available for shift work, including weekends and nights Work is performed outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather conditions and on uneven terrain and surfaces Regular exposure to dust, pollen, fumes, noise, and vibrations Must meet medical fitness for duty requirements Ability to grasp and work at heights and elevations Able to perform repetitive physical activities Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 85 pounds occasionally Must be available to work away from home in isolated locations Experience Relevant experience working in a similar environment Education/Certification/Designation High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) Valid driver's licence Must hold or be able to qualify for valid Rail Operating Rules (ROR) qualifications Competencies We Care About Each Other We Strive for Excellence We Succeed Together We Lead Responsibly Technical Skills/Knowledge Must be at least 18 years of age Collaborates and maintains 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 Capable of making effective decisions in unfamiliar locations and when responding to changes, as well as interruptions in work processes 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 Additional Information (If Any) The 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. About CN CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at . As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email. Apply now

This opening is not attached to an apprenticeship

Interested in this opening?
Sign up to receive notifications about changes and updates about S&C Apprentice (Illinois Central)
Get on our calendar
Not sure if WorkHands is right for you? Chat with our team today
Send us an email
We'll get back to you shortly