Apprentice Locomotive Operator - Apprentice Locomotive Engineer

 Reference Number : 719 

Status : Permanent - Full-time  

Annual Salary / Hourly Rate : $77 000-115 000/year

Number of positions to be filled : 4 

Application Deadline : 04/04/2025

Did you know that VIA Rail is carrying out ambitious projects to modernize its services and infrastructure? From our new ultramodern train fleet to ongoing improvement of our infrastructure, we’re building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail is being a part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility. 

VIA Rail is the number one passenger railway player in the Canadian transport industry. Our vision is that train travel should be an easy, sustainable and enjoyable experience that meets the individual needs and preferences of today’s and tomorrow’s passengers. As an employer, we strive to move forward and create new opportunities for development. As such, we are excited to introduce our Locomotive Engineer Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) that will train our next generation of conductors to support our future workforce needs and continue to fill our mission to serve Canadians.

Four (4) candidates will be selected to become apprentice locomotive engineers and participate in this innovative training program. Will you be one of them? In September 2025, selected candidates will begin a rigorous and approximate 24-month paid training program to be held mostly in Thompson. Upon completion of the program, they will be qualified to operate passenger trains in the Northern Manitoba between Thompson and Churchill. These individuals will be responsible for the safety of VIA Rail passengers and crew and the efficiency of their transportation and will be subject to strict requirements:

WHAT VIA RAIL OFFERS:

· An apprentice salary of $77 000 during year 1 and $115 000 during year 2

· A starting salary of over $150 000 upon successful completion of the program (or as stated in the collective agreement)

· Comprehensive benefits

· Defined Benefit Pension Plan

· A uniform and Personal Protective Equipment

· Employee wellness program

· Mobile device (tablet) to stay connected and up to date in real time

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT ABOUT THE LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER LIFESTYLE:

· You can forget about the 9 to 5: Schedules and destinations will vary.

· You will travel away from home: Most assignments involve a one-night layover

· You must always remain up to date: Master your operating rules by consulting your daily updates on a company provided mobile device (tablet).

· You must expect the unexpected: Work in a fast-paced environment and face stressful factors daily as each trip is different

WHAT TO EXPECT AS A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER APPRENTICE:

· Approximately two (2) years of full-time training

· A rigorous training curriculum based on the highest standards of the industry

· A stimulating learning environment including ongoing testing, simulations, coaching and feedback

· A lot of job shadowing and on-the-job training with experienced mentors

· The necessity to study outside of training sessions to be successful

OPERATE SAFELY AT ALL TIMES:

When driving passenger trains, safety is always top of mind. Masterful and rigorous application of safety rules is required in all situations. You will operate within the guidelines of the Railway Safety Act of Canada and the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR) as well as VIA Rail’s special instructions.

MULTITASK IN A FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT:

Our locomotive engineers operate at the highest speeds in the industry and must demonstrate constant situational awareness. Solid reasoning skills, the ability to process a lot of information at once and prioritizing in a fast-paced environment are key in this role.

WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITHIN AND BEYOND THE LOCOMOTIVE:

Our Locomotive Engineers work in pairs and are in continuous communication and collaboration with crew members, rail traffic controllers, VIA’s operation’s control centre, etc. ensuring a safe and efficient operational execution.

APPLY ALL PROCEDURAL CHANGES IN A FAST-PACED ENVIRONMENT:

As a Locomotive Engineer, you are required to review changes to procedures, rules and exceptions before each trip.

DISPLAY A CUSTOMER CENTRIC ATTITUDE:

Our Locomotive Engineers have the passengers' and crew's well-being at mind and heart in the execution of all their tasks, from train handling to interacting with the public.

WHAT WE REQUIRE:

· A minimum of Grade 12 or equivalent

· A minimum of three (3) years work experience (fields within highly regulated environments or that require a high degree of vigilance)

· Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English

· Meeting our testing and selection criteria requirements at every step of the selection process

· Meeting our background check requirements

· Meeting the medical criteria for safety critical positions in accordance with the "Canadian Railway Medical Rules Handbook"

· Driver licence or extract an asset

Please provide your resume when sending your application.

If operating passenger trains seems like an interesting challenge for you, visit Locomotive engineer training | VIA Rail to view a video and find out more about the program. You will be redirected to this job offer to apply. Should we contact you for a telephone interview, be prepared to answer questions about the following video.

Stages of the selection process:

The preferred means of communication to contact you throughout the selection process will be by email. Make sure the email you provide is accurate.

CV sorting: Whether your CV is retained or not, you will receive an email notification.

If your application is selected after sorting the resumes, here are the steps in the process, each of which is eliminatory.

• A first test to be completed at home on the computer. A second test will be sent to you if you pass the first one.
• A telephone interview.
• Information sessions and Face to face interviews in person will be held the week of May 20th, 2025 (more information to come).
• The finalists will be invited to complete pre-employment screening including a medical test*.
• Selected finalists will receive confirmation of selection to the program.
• The Locomotive Engineer Apprentice Program will officially begin on September 2nd, 2025.

The first six (6) weeks of the training will be in Winnipeg (accommodation will be provided by VIA Rail) but the remaining year and a half of the training will be in Thompson (you will be responsible to find your accommodation)

*All tests will be paid by VIA Rail Canada.

**Please note that any travel or moving costs, if applicable, will be at your expense.

Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM) is a partner in this initiative, providing Essential Skills supports.

VIA Rail thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. VIA Rail is an employment-equity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

(The above message is standard on all job descriptions.)

At VIA Rail, we are proud to be an employment-equity employer and we strive to form teams that reflect the diversity of Canadian society. We aim to remove barriers to employment accessibility and aspire to provide an inclusive and equitable work environment where everyone is valued, regardless of their identity or differences, to enable them to reach their full potential.

If you need assistance in making the recruitment process or the position you are applying for more accessible, please let us know. Alternate arrangements may be offered to individuals who request them at any stage of the recruitment process. All information received in relation to arrangements will be kept confidential.

Note that we will only contact those who are selected for an interview.

Join our 3,000 other employees in helping provide Canadians with a safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable way to travel!