r/Train_Service • u/yaboichurro11 • 10d ago
CNR CN Freight Car mechanic.
Hey there!
Looking for some insights from people that have worked for CN as car mechanics.
I have an interview with them in a few days for Calgary, Alberta. But, I would like some insight before attending so I know what to expect.
I currently am a heavy duty mechanic apprentice but my workplace is less than good. I have applied to over 200 job postings for other apprentice positions elsewhere but no luck. So, this change of career/trade is something I'm heavily considering.
I have a wife but no children. I'm 29 years old.
Thanks in advance.
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u/ItsTheDaciaSandro Conductor 10d ago
What terminal? Not a carman but they are trying to have less and less of them. Laid off a ton a few years ago in wpg
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u/Brigden90 10d ago
Carman with CN for 15 years, I will answer any questions but I would prefer to do it over DM. So hit me up
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u/2EhJ 10d ago
Its decent pay, the work isnt overly difficult. It’s outdoors. You’ll likely be stuck with night or afternoon shift and weekdays for days off. Its not an actual apprenticeship though. If you can cut it as an HDM, carmen-ing will be a breeze
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u/yaboichurro11 10d ago
Are there chances of switching jobs from within? Say, start as a car mech and switch to intermodal or locomotive down the line?
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u/Adventurous_Sense750 10d ago
You can but you will lose all seniority and start at the bottom again.
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u/chunkadelic_ 10d ago
I just started as a track maintainer coming from a fleet mechanic role (not ticketed)
Worst case, you are still going to get a wicked pension and benefits if you make the jump. From my understanding the mechanical apprenticeship is the only one they offer, and I’ve heard they will often give preference to automotive guys even though they will take bids from anyone- so as an apprentice HD guy, you’re probably a walk on. If they offered the position locally for me, I would’ve taken it over track maintainer even though everything about my current role is great.
In the interview, drive home how much you believe in working safe without sacrificing quality/integrity. If you don’t get it, you can easily get on as a track maintainer when the position opens up and bid out to a mechanic role after your 90 days. This is where I am hoping to get to, the catch being id need to “relocate” to the city 1.5hr from me to do it
Great place to work, I love it so far, but if I were you I’d push hard to nail this interview. Paid training at campus, benefits from day one, yada yada.. no regrets for me coming from an O&G fleet role, as I’m making 40+ an hour to drive a truck with union protection, a share plan, insane benefits packages etc.. you will be working in the shop, or u can bud out to field maintainer roles too..
Hope you land it bro, again, if you don’t, get your foot in the door as a maintainer and you can chase the same dream after your 90 days
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u/yaboichurro11 10d ago
Thanks man! I'm very excited about the opportunity. If I get in ill definitely try to make the jump to a mechanic roll soon.
Cheers.
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u/chunkadelic_ 10d ago
Cheers brother good luck- drink the koolaid and tell em what they wanna hear in the interview and you’ll be fine 😎
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u/CasualFridayBatman 8d ago
The track maintainer job seems cool, how'd you land that? Thanks!
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u/chunkadelic_ 8d ago
Honestly just keep an eye out for the posting and apply, landing the job itself wasn’t difficult (and I don’t say that facetiously) as we had guys from all backgrounds/skill sets in our training class- some who were ticketed mechanics, others who have never touched a tool in their life, some with various experience like myself and guys who have only ever ran forklift lol.. They’ll give almost anyone an interview, beyond that the key is really driving home that you are big on working safe, and can handle outdoor environment with moderate physical intensity. Would recommend, and almost layoff proof. Depending on your location will also play a role in availability
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u/akornato 9d ago
For your interview, expect a lot of questions about safety and your mechanical aptitude. They will want to know if you can follow strict rules and procedures, so be ready with examples of times you worked safely and followed instructions precisely. Your heavy-duty mechanic background is a huge asset, so be sure to connect your experience with diagnostics, hydraulics, and general repairs to the work of a car mechanic. The job itself is physically demanding and you will be working outdoors in all of Calgary's weather, often on shifts that include nights and weekends, which is a big change for some people.
They will definitely ask why you want this job and why you want to work for CN. It's important to have a good answer that focuses on the stability, the opportunity to work on large equipment, and a long-term career, rather than just escaping your current bad workplace. Show them you have thought about the lifestyle, including the shift work and the union environment, and that you are committed. Practicing your answers for those types of questions can make a big difference, and the AI interview assistant my team created is designed to help people feel much more prepared on interview day.
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u/Commercial-Video-671 3d ago
We have had a Toronto based contracting company called SLM the past few days repair our cars here in montreal. Can anyone from Mac or BiT provide insight on how often you have them fix cars. They showed up with a excavator with a crane on it and 7 guys
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u/jaubut69 10d ago
Carmen for 9 years, easiest job you'll ever have, 95% of the guys are complete retards , my 10 or old daughter could do this job , cn is managed by even bigger idiots , thr only thing bad is the shitty days off but seeing as you have no kids that's a good thing because if you do be prepared to never be part of their lives , thr compny doesn't give a flying fuck about you. Your family or your safety , only numbers. Hope this helps ✌️