Apprentice Railway Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition 39943: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Birmingham, AL) 

Norfolk Southern Electrical Signal Trainee Program (Day in the Life): https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216

Primary Purpose:
Apprentice Signal Trainees will be trained to perform the duties of Signal Workers. Signal Workers are an important link between ensuring compliance to FRA regulations and customer satisfaction while achieving the safest most efficient railroad operations.

Principal Duties:

• Signal Workers are primarily responsible for performing FRA regulatory test and inspections of the signals systems and crossings.
• Install, repair, and maintain, test and inspect various equipment such as signals lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, as well as crossing warning devices as well as the maintenance and repair of automated classification yards.
• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems including Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal and interlocking systems.
• Other general duties include cable locates, painting and housekeeping of signal housings & equipment; climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections.
• Use of a wide variety of hand tools, on track high-rail equipment, and test instruments
• Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting foundations, installing equipment, etc.
• This role requires travel and on-call availability including weekends.

Apprentice Signal Trainee Training Program

• Successful applicants will participate in a 52-week paid apprenticeship training program that includes in-class theory and lab work with hands-on skill development in the field.
  • • Week 1-3: Signal Training-1 (McDonough, GA)
    • Week 4-16: OJT Signal Construction Gang
    • Week 11-19: Signal Training-2 (McDonough, GA)
    • Weeks 20-40: OJT Signal Maintenance Training
    • Week 41-43: Signal Training-3 (McDonough, GA)
    • Weeks 44-52: Additional OJT training

• The in-class portion of the training program consists of three sessions that are three weeks long each. These sessions are in McDonough, GA and are mandatory.
• Apprentices will be required to pass a series of periodic tests relating to duties, responsibilities, and operating rules. In the circumstance that an apprentice fails any of the periodic testing, their application for employment may be rejected at that time.
• Apprentices that successfully complete the training will then be placed on the seniority district roster hired and is eligible to bid on Signalman or Signal Maintainer roles.
  • • Eastern Region North (ERN)
    • Norfolk & Western (NW)
    • Southern Lines East (SLE)
    • Southern Lines West (SLW)
    • WRE (Western Region East (WRE)
    • Western Region West (WRW)

• Probation period is 90 days in which you must secure a Class A CDL.

Rate of Pay

• Apprentice First 3 weeks $ 1,200.00
• Apprentice 1st Period (130 days) $36.48
• Apprentice 2nd Period (130 days) $36.85
• Assistant Signalmen/Signal Maintainers $37.98

Medical Benefits

• Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)
• 80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
• Union Benefits (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - BRS) available after mark-up from Trainee status.
• Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
• $20K Life Insurance
• 401 (K) First Day of Employment
• After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision

Job Related Experience:

• Minimum Level:  1-2 years
• Preferred Level:  3-5 years

Education:

• Required: High School diploma or GED
• Preferred Level:  Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)
• Preferred Majors: Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer

Licenses / Certifications:

• Required: CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)

• Required:  None listed
• Preferred:  None listed

Skills and Abilities:

• Time Management
• Prioritizing Work Demands
• Communication Skills
• Multi-tasking
• Planning and Organizing
• MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing

Career Path:
Predecessor Jobs: None

Future Jobs: Supervisor C&S

Environment: Outdoor/Field
Shift Work:  No
On-Call:  Yes
Weekend Work:  Yes
Travel Required:  Yes (75% during training; dynamic after mark-up)

Norfolk Southern Electrical Signal Trainee Program (Day in the Life): https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216

BRS Seniority District and Bidding Overview video

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.