CN to build two training facilities in Canada and U.S.

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
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MP Lawrence Toet, Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, CN’s Human Resources VP Kim Madigan, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger, and CN’s Safety and Sustainability VP John Orr, at the groudbreaking ceremony of the new CN training facility in Winnipeg.

Canadian National revitalized its company-wide employee training program, which will be anchored by two modern training centers to be built in Winnipeg, MB, Canada, and in suburban Chicago, Ill.

“These facilities will be the centerpiece of CN’s enhanced railroader training program,” said Claude Mongeau, CN president and chief executive officer. “The centers in both Canada and the United States will include a modern training curriculum and equipment to effectively train a new generation of railroaders.”

CN broke ground on the Winnipeg center recently. CN is also planning to begin construction next year on a similar training center adjacent to its Woodcrest Mechanical Shop, located in Homewood, Ill.

The 100,000-square-foot facility in Winnipeg will host 250 to 300 employees a week. In the U.S., the approximately 75,000-square-foot center will host 100 to 125 employees a week. New hires and existing employees working jobs ranging from conductor to locomotive mechanic and from track supervisor to signal maintainer, will receive state-of-the-art training at the centers.

Employees attending CN’s learning centers will receive hands-on training in indoor learning laboratories with key equipment, such as locomotive simulators and dispatcher stations. Outdoor labs with dedicated rolling stock and other equipment for field training also will be a key focus. The training programs will have a uniform curriculum, with dedicated local staff at each location.

“Our elevated training program reflects CN’s commitment to operational and service excellence,” Mongeau said. “We hope this training program and these centers will ultimately become a benchmark for the railroad industry.”

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