Description :

LEAP INTERNAL POSTING - REVISION OF AN ELIGIBILITY CRITERION

This is a reactivation of the initial posting. In light of the applications received, we have revised a criterion for internal applicants only. We now consider a minimum of a college diploma OR one of the options below:
• Diploma of vocational studies (DEP) in a related field
or
• Equivalent experience in a relevant position, such as VIA Top, Locomotive Attendant, etc.

Important:
• Please note that all other criteria remain the same. The deadline to submit your application: Tuesday August 25, 2020 until midnight Eastern Time.
• If you have already applied on the initial posting between July 20 and August 3, 2020, you do not need to reapply. We are reviewing the files corresponding to the new applicable criteria and will give you news shortly.




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.

Despite the exceptional situation surrounding the global pandemic, VIA Rail is confident that it will resume all of its services in a near future. This is why we are still counting on this initiative to train our next generation of conductors to support our future workforce needs and continue to fill our mission to serve Canadians.

You could be one of the ten (10) selected candidates to be hired as a Locomotive Engineer Apprentice for our innovative apprenticeship program which begins November 2020 for our Montreal terminal. After approximately 24 months of rigorous paid training, you will be qualified to operate passenger trains to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and even Halifax. More precisely, we need candidates for the following cities: 7 candidates in Montreal, 2 in Quebec and 1 in Moncton. This means you will be responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of VIA Rail passengers and crew with a high degree of accountability to:

· 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 center, 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 TO EXPECT AS A LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER APPRENTICE:
· A minimum of two (2) years of full-time training - the training in class will be given in french
· Minimun of 6 weeks training in Montreal then mostly in your terminal ( to be confirmed )
· A rigorous training curriculum based on the highest standards of the industry
· A stimulating learning environment including on-going 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


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

WHAT VIA RAIL OFFERS:
· An apprentice salary of $64 394 during year 1 and $ 96 591 during year 2
· A starting salary of over $128 788 upon successful completion of the program
· Comprehensive benefits
· Defined Benefit Pension Plan
· A uniform and Personal Protective Equipment
· Employee wellness program
· iPads to stay connected and up-to-date in real time

Requirements :

· A minimum of a College Diploma
· A minimum of three (3) years work experience (fields that require a high degree of vigilance an asset)
· Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English and French
· 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 »
· Valid driver licence with a good driver’s licence record

Please provide your resume when sending your application.


If operating passenger trains seems like an interesting challenge for you, visit https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/locomotive-engineer-apprentice 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 complete on a computer at home. If the first test is a success, a second one will be sent to you.
• A phone interview.
• An information session in Montreal the week of September 28th.
• An in-person interview (also in Montreal) the week of October 5th.
• Following the interview, a group of finalists will be invited to complete the pre-employment checks including a medical test*.
• The finalists selected will receive a confirmation of selection in the program.
• The apprentice train driver – apprentice locomotive engineer program will officially begin on November 16th, 2020 in Montreal.


* All tests will be paid by VIA Rail Canada.

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