Apprentice Locomotive Operator - Apprentice Locomotive Engineer

Overview

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 are building the future of transportation in Canada. Working for VIA Rail means being part of a collective effort in sustainable mobility.

About VIA Rail

VIA Rail is the number one passenger railway player in the Canadian Transportation industry. Our vision is that train travel should be an easy, sustainable and enjoyable experience that meets the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s passengers. As an employer, we strive to move forward and create new opportunities for development.

About LEAP

We are currently recruiting for 5 candidates to join the Locomotive Engineer Apprentice Program (LEAP) set to begin in September 2026 in our Central region* (Toronto and other Ontario terminals). The training consists of 24 months of classroom, simulation and on‑the‑job training activities, as well as examinations. If successful, at the end of the paid training period, you will be qualified to operate passenger trains to London, Windsor, Sarnia, Ottawa and Montreal.

Work Location and Training Clause

Training for this position will be conducted at either our Toronto or Montreal training facility. Upon successful completion of training, employees may be assigned to any work location within the district (from Toronto to Capreol to London), in accordance with the provisions of the applicable collective agreement. Assignments may vary based on operational needs, seniority rights, and established staffing processes within the district.

About the Training Program

The LEAP program is a rigorous 24-month full‑time training program based on a challenging curriculum of both theoretical and practical training. The program begins with an initial 6‑week classroom training component of 40 hours a week, with the necessity of studying outside of classroom hours for successful achievement of exams. After that, you will be job shadowing and receive on‑the‑job training with experienced mentors. Reinforcement activities will be completed in the classroom environment at different intervals, offering theoretical and practical activities using our state‑of‑the‑art simulators, as well as activities on equipment.

Job Summary

The job of a locomotive engineer is an exciting one. For more information, please view the following video: https://corpo.viarail.ca/en/locomotive-engineer-apprentice

Working Conditions

• Available to work night shifts, early morning shifts, evening shifts, weekends and holidays, and be away from home for extended periods of time.
• Working outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions.
• Frequently climbing on and off ladders.
• Walking for frequent and extended periods of time.
• Bending, lifting, sitting, and kneeling frequently.
• Meeting medical fitness requirements for the position (initially and throughout employment).
• Able to recognize and distinguish between the colours of signals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience (fields that require a high degree of vigilance is an asset).
• 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".
• Valid driver licence with a good driver’s licence record.
• Experience in the transportation sector is considered an asset.

Successful Candidate 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:

• You will have a test to complete by computer, from home.
• If you pass the first test, a second test will have to be completed by computer at home.
• If you have successfully completed both tests, you will be contacted for a phone interview.
• If you are selected after the phone interview, you will be invited to an information session in Toronto the week of June 8th (dates to be confirmed).
• If you are selected after the information session, you will be invited to an in‑person interview (also in Toronto) the week of June 15th (dates to be confirmed).
• 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 Locomotive Engineer Apprentice Program will officially begin in September 2026.
• All tests will be paid by VIA Rail Canada.

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.
• iPad to stay connected and up to date in real time.

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!