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Signal Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test Technician

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.08/hr

Set up and operate test equipment (oscilloscopes, DVMs, signal generators, spectrum/network ... High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in ...

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Alarm Technician

Nipomo, CA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Alarm Technician

Nipomo, CA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Join the Securitas Technology Apprentice Program and kickstart your career in the security industry ... Test communication and backup signals * Test & inspect vaults, safes, and ATMs * Test, inspect and ...

Showing results 21-40

Signal Apprentice information

See California salary details

$13

$18

$24

How much do signal apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for signal apprentice in California is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a signal apprentice?

Signal Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of railway signaling systems. They usually work under the supervision of experienced signal technicians or engineers while learning the skills necessary to ensure the safe operation of trains. Signal Apprentices handle tasks such as wiring, testing equipment, troubleshooting faults, and following strict safety procedures. This position typically involves a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and it is a pathway to becoming a fully qualified Signal Technician.

What are some common challenges signal apprentices face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

Signal Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering complex technical concepts, adapting to strict safety protocols, and working in varying weather conditions. Success in this role typically requires strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn hands-on from experienced technicians, and effective communication with team members. Apprentices can overcome these challenges by seeking guidance from mentors, actively participating in training sessions, and staying proactive in asking questions and practicing new skills on the job.

What is the difference between Signal Apprentice vs Signal Technician?

AspectSignal ApprenticeSignal Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; sometimes technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications or associate degree often preferred; extensive on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, rail yards, or maintenance areas; supervised training settingFieldwork on railways, transit systems, or infrastructure; more independent
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, construction companiesRailroads, transit authorities, infrastructure contractors

The main difference between a Signal Apprentice and a Signal Technician is experience and responsibility. An apprentice is in training, focusing on learning skills and gaining experience, while a technician is fully qualified to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs independently. Apprentices typically work under supervision, whereas technicians handle more complex tasks on their own.

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal jobs in California?

The most popular types of Signal jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Signal Apprentice jobs in California?

For Signal Apprentice jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Signal Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Signal Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Signal Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,746 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Service Technician - First Year Apprentice Job Description

MCKINLEY GROUP

Hayward, CA • On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist lead technician in maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing accessibility equipment.

  • Become familiar with blueprints, electrical wiring, control panels, motors, and testing installed equipment to ensure it meets specifications.

  • Follow instructions, work independently, and contribute to team efforts while demonstrating competence and proficiency in the field.


Job description

Responsibilities:
  • Become familiar with the Vertical Transportation Industry
  • Assist lead technician in the maintaining, trouble shooting and repair of various types of accessibility equipment
  • Become familiar with blueprints to determine the layout of system components
  • Become familiar to connect electrical wiring to control panels and motors
  • Become familiar with testing installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications
  • Become familiar with the Vertical Transportation Industry
  • Become familiar with the organizations relevant to the Vertical Transportation Industry
  • Become familiar with National Applicable Codes and Regulations
  • Become familiar with Accessibility Industry terms
  • Become familiar with types of accessibility and residential equipment
  • Become familiar with Elevator Industry Field Employees Safety Handbook
  • Become familiar with basic electricity and electrical symbols and meanings
  • Become familiar with electrical schematics
  • Become familiar with troubleshooting conveyance systems; including brakes, motors, switches, hydraulics and control systems
  • Become familiar with tools and equipment required to maintain, troubleshoot and repair various types of accessibility equipment safely
  • Become familiar with site conditions and what is required to safely maintain, troubleshoot and repair various types of accessibility equipment
  • Become familiar with all components of the conveyances to properly identify each piece and its use to properly maintain and repair the conveyance
  • Become familiar with all product service manuals
  • Become familiar with EMT bending
  • Become familiar with Soft Skills Training (critical thinking, teamwork, effective communication and resiliency)
  • Become familiar with and read the service manual cover to cover prior to commencing any service
  • Optional enroll in the CAT Program (Certified Accessibility Technician) and progress through/complete Course 1
  • Become familiar with iPhone and apps, iPad and processing work orders in ServiceMax (SMAX) including creating Dash-1 work orders
  • Communicate well with Customers, Lead technician and dispatcher on a regular basis
  • Maintain tools necessary for this trade and become familiar with tools/parts inventory
  • Ability to follow direction as well as work independently
  • Demonstrate competence and proficiency in the field
  • Contribute to team effort by performing additional duties as requested
  • Demonstrate/show proof of competency of First Year Apprentice Skillsets

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged sitting and standing
  • Frequent customer interaction, must be able to speak and hear well enough to communicate with others
  • Must be able to see well enough to drive, read electronic screens and electrical schematics and service/operation manuals
  • Ability to hear, smell and touch
  • Grasping/Feeling: must be able to write, type, and use hand and power tools
  • Ability to think and process information quickly, clearly and accurately
  • Strong reasoning ability; able to apply common sense, understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved, written or oral instructions; able to deal logically with problems & people
  • Physically fit for lifting and moving equipment (up to 50 pounds)
  • Ability to stand and work on ladder
  • Ability to be led, ability to follow instructions, make suggestions and are willing to learn
  • Ability to push, pull and perform overhead work
  • Ability to work with various hand and power tools
  • Finger Dexterity - use of finger/fine manipulation. The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position
  • Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
  • Multi-limb coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing or lying down
  • Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged
  • Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms and or legs
  • Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to manufacturer's guidelines. Maximize efficiency
  • Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object
  • Gross Body Equilibrium - The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position
  • Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted
  • Reaction Time - the ability to quickly respond to a signal, e.g. sound, light picture, etc. when it appears
  • Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
  • Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between color, including shades of color and brightness
  • Must be able to climb into/out of vehicle several times per day using 3 points of contact
  • Must be able to use hands and arms to steer and to finger controls and adjust controls needed inside of vehicle
  • Must be able to sit for long periods as well as walk for short periods, navigate stairs
  • Must have enough leg and foot control to climb into vehicle, operate foot controls and safely navigate vehicle through traffic and weather
  • Must able to bend, stoop, crawl and squat in order to perform a vehicle inspection
  • Move two or more limbs together while remaining in place
  • React quickly using hands, fingers and feet
  • Determine the distance between objects; see objects in low light and while moving forward see objects off to the side

Qualifications:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Solid writing and grammar skills
  • Highly organized
  • Ability to work harmoniously with the public and co-workers
  • Ability to successfully prioritize and meet customer needs
  • Punctual and reliable
  • Computer skills and proficiency including Microsoft office and other cloud based products
  • Knowledgeable in basic hand tool and power tool functions
  • Solid mechanical skills
  • Strong attention to details and accuracy
  • Trustworthy and maintains confidentiality
  • Excellent problem-solver
  • High School Degree or Equivalent and Mechanical/Electrical experience
  • Maintain a valid California Driver's License and a clean driving record