2025 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee- Columbus, OH-Norfolk Southern

Job Description

Job Title: 2025 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee- Columbus, OH

Company: Norfolk Southern

Location: Columbus, OH

Pay: $1200 per week

AI Pay Analysis: An hourly rate of $1200 per week for the role of “2025 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee” translates to approximately $30 per hour, assuming a 40-hour work week. In Columbus, OH, this rate is competitive for an entry-level position in the electrical field, particularly for apprenticeships, which typically pay lower than fully qualified electricians. According to industry standards, electrical apprentices in Ohio generally earn between $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, specific trade, and location. Therefore, this compensation is above the average for apprenticeships, indicating that it is a favorable opportunity that aligns well within the region’s market, especially for a specialized training role.

Job description:

Requisition 38158: 2025 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee – Columbus, OH

Norfolk Southern seeks to recruit Apprentice Signal Trainees who will be trained to perform the duties of Signal Workers. These professionals play a crucial role in maintaining compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and promoting the safest and most efficient railroad operations.

Principal Duties:

• Conduct FRA regulatory tests and inspections of signal systems and crossings.
• Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect various equipment, including signal lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, and crossing warning devices, as well as automated classification yard maintenance and repair.
• Engage in the installation, repair, maintenance, testing, and inspection of signal systems, such as Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal, and interlocking systems.
• Execute general tasks that include cable location, painting, housekeeping of signal housings and equipment, troubleshooting signal structures, and making electrical connections.
• Operate a diverse range of hand tools, on-track high-rail equipment, and testing instruments.
• Perform construction duties, including excavating for cable installation, wiring apparatus, setting foundations, and installing equipment.
• Be prepared for travel and on-call availability, including weekends.

Apprentice Signal Trainee Training Program:

• Successful candidates will participate in a 52-week paid apprenticeship program encompassing classroom theory, lab work, and hands-on skill development in the field.

  • Weeks 1-3: Signal Training-1 (McDonough, GA)
  • Weeks 4-16: On-the-Job Training (OJT) in Signal Construction Gang
  • Weeks 11-19: Signal Training-2 (McDonough, GA)
  • Weeks 20-40: OJT in Signal Maintenance Training
  • Weeks 41-43: Signal Training-3 (McDonough, GA)
  • Weeks 44-52: Additional OJT training
• The in-class training portion involves three mandatory sessions lasting three weeks each, conducted in McDonough, GA.
• Apprentices must successfully pass a series of periodic tests on their duties, responsibilities, and operating rules; failure to do so may result in application rejection.
• Those who successfully complete the training will be placed on the seniority district roster, eligible to bid on roles such as Signalman or Signal Maintainer within various regions.

Regions of Placement:

• Eastern Region North (ERN)
• Norfolk & Western (NW)
• Southern Lines East (SLE)
• Southern Lines West (SLW)
• Western Region East (WRE)
• Western Region West (WRW)

Probationary Requirements:

• A 90-day probation period during which candidates must secure a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Compensation:

• Initial training at the Norfolk Southern Training Center is compensated at $1,200.00 per week for the first three weeks.
• Compensation for the first period (up to day 130) is $36.48 per hour.
• In the second period (next 130 days), compensation will increase to $36.85 per hour.
• After the completion of the initial 275 days, new hires will receive full compensation of $37.98 per hour.

Medical Benefits:

• Company benefits become effective on the first day of the second month following hire (during training).
• A comprehensive 80/20 health plan is available for employees, their spouse, and eligible dependents.
• Union benefits (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen – BRS) will be available after transitioning from Trainee status.
• Medical options include either managed care or an 85/15 plan, along with $20,000 life insurance, 401(k) eligibility from the first day of employment, and dental/vision eligibility after one year of service.

Job-Related Experience:

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

Educational Requirements:

• Required: High School diploma or GED
• Preferred: Technical Certification or Associate’s degree (AS) in relevant fields such as Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Licenses / Certifications:

• Required: CDL Class A License (to be secured within 111 days of the hire date).

Skills and Abilities:

• Effective time management
• Ability to prioritize work demands
• Strong communication skills
• Proficient in multi-tasking
• Competence in planning and organizing
• Familiarity with MS Excel, MS Outlook, and MS Word

Career Path:

• Predecessor jobs are not applicable.
• Future opportunities include positions such as Supervisor C&S.

Work Environment:

• This role requires outdoor/field work with no fixed shift patterns. On-call availability and weekend work are expected, with travel requirements at approximately 75% during training and variable dynamics thereafter.

Norfolk Southern is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive and contribute their unique backgrounds and perspectives. We invite all applicants to join us in powering progress, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Job Posting Date: Wed, 08 Jan 2025 07:28:37 GMT

Apply now!