Home / Your new Career starts here

Your new Career starts here

Jobs in rail offer fulfilling careers, well-paying jobs and a flexible work life, on and off the tracks. No matter what you trained for, Canada’s rail industry has a job for you! Scroll below to learn more about your next career in rail, connect with training resources, or find answers to frequently asked questions about jobs in rail.

Why work in rail?

Canada’s railways power our economy transporting millions of passengers and approximately $380 billion worth of goods across our country each year. Not only do railways move people and goods safely and efficiently, but trains relieve road congestion and are highly fuel-efficient, helping to limit harmful emissions to our environment.

By choosing a career in the rail industry, you’ll join the over 35,000 Canadians working in railway operations, maintenance, technology, customer service and leadership positions. Railway employees earn an average of more than $100,000 a year among the highest annual earnings in Canadian industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to work at one of Canada’s largest employers (CN or CPKC), or at a smaller rail business.

Average of more than
$100,000 a year

Among the highest annual earnings in Canadian industry

Learn More

Youth in Rail

Learn more

Types of Careers

Learn more

Job Boards

Learn more

Railway Training

Learn more

FAQ

Learn more

Resources

Below is a list of scholarships, diversity recruitment programs and financial aid resources offered by Canadian railways and governments, to help you achieve your goal of working in the rail industry.

Railway Industry Initiatives

  • CN’s Diversity Scholarship Program
    CN offers grants to support the post-secondary education of women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, military veterans and people of Aboriginal heritage enrolled in programs relevant to CN’s core business.
  • CPKC’s Women’s Leadership Network
  • CPKC’s Diversity Council
  • CP’s Immigrant Work Experience Program
    CP partners with several organizations – such as the YMCA’s Canadian Employment Skills Program and the Centre for Newcomers, in Calgary, Alta. – to provide an opportunity for skilled immigrants to gain work experience in Canada’s railway sector.
  • CP’s Military Recruitment Program
    CP recognizes the valuable skills and experience that members of the military gain from serving their country, and the company partners with military organizations to assist their personnel in transitioning to civilian jobs.
  • VIA Rail’s Military/Reservist Recruitment
    VIA Rail recognizes that veteran military members and reservists have skills that are transferable to both management and front-line jobs within the railway industry. The company partners with a number of organizations that assist transitioning military members in their search for a civilian job.

Government Initiatives

  • Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
    The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, up to a maximum of $2,000 per person, available to registered apprentices once they have successfully finished their first or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.
  • Apprenticeship Completion Grant
    The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is a one-time taxable cash grant of a maximum of $2,000 available to registered apprentices who have successfully completed their apprenticeship training and obtained their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade.
  • Ontario skilled trade apprenticeship
    See for yourself why apprenticeship is a first-choice post-secondary option! This dynamic booklet is a quick overview of skilled trades careers that highlights the benefits of apprenticeship as a post-secondary option and profiles young tradespeople and apprentices who are passionate about their career choice.
  • Canada Apprentice Loan
    The Canada Apprentice Loan can help you to complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. Starting in January 2015, you can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training ― for everything from to tuition, to tools, equipment and living expenses.

  • Careers in Trades
    Careers in Trades is a hub of information, resources and tools. Make it your first stop for information on apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
    The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for people wishing become permanent Canadian residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
  • Red Seal Program
    The Red Seal Program allows qualified tradespeople to practise their trade anywhere in Canada that the trade is designated without having to write further examinations.

Alberta

  • Trades
    Trades Alberta is your source for information on apprenticeships and industry training in the province of Alberta.

British Columbia

  • B.C.’s Industry Training
    The Industry Training Authority (ITA) manages the apprenticeship system and certifies skilled tradespeople in B.C.
  • Trades Training B.C.
    Trades Training B.C. is the hub for B.C.’s trades training programs and services. Find a trade, learn about apprenticeships and training, and search for jobs online.

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Newfoundland and Labrador

Northwest Territories

Nova Scotia

  • Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
    This website is where you’ll find information on Nova Scotia’s designated trades, apprenticeships and certification process – all managed by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

Nunavut

Ontario

  • Apprenticesearch.com
    This website aims to connect apprentices and employers in Ontario through a free matching service provided by provincial not-for-profit organizations and community agencies.
  • Employment Ontario
    Information on apprenticeships, financial aid and trade certification in the province of Ontario.

Prince Edward Island

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Yukon

Contact Us

Janet Greene,
Director of Member Engagement
jgreene@railcan.ca
(613) 564-8109