Locomotive Engineer Apprenticeship Program
Are you thorough, methodical and dislike the idea of working a nine to five job? Do you have quick reflexes, great adaptability and demonstrate excellent stress management in all circumstances? If you meet these criteria, we want to hear from you!
VIA Rail’s Locomotive Engineer Apprenticeship Program is the path to an exciting career in rail, and we currently have cohorts underway in Montréal and Toronto. While we are not actively recruiting at this time, we will be opening recruitment for a new cohort in Northern Manitoba starting in early January 2025.
Railways operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You must be comfortable with working variable shifts, overnight stays away from home, dealing with unpredictable circumstances while remaining calm under pressure. Completing our Locomotive Engineer Apprenticeship Program is the way to access this exciting career. Check out the video below and keep reading to learn more!
Your future on the right tack
If you’re selected, you will complete a 24-month training program (approximate timeframe) to become a locomotive engineer and operate trains. Be prepared to study outside of scheduled training activities, as you will be expected to apply new concepts quickly. Rigour, discipline, and perseverance are essential to successfully complete your training. Here’s what VIA has to offer:
24 months
Estimated duration of your hands-on training with experienced mentors.
100%
Your chances of being hired as a locomotive engineer after completing the training program.
4
Number of learning phases: classroom, simulator, classification yard, and locomotive on the main track.
$77,000
Your annual salary for the first year of training. Starting in your second year, you’ll earn $115,000.
