Exciting job opportunities are now available in Toronto as **Via Rail** opens up multiple positions for **Station Attendants**, and the best part is — no college degree is required. For job seekers looking to break into the transportation or customer service industries, this represents a golden opportunity. With an attractive hourly wage and the backing of one of Canada’s most respected transportation companies, this hiring spree is expected to attract a wide pool of applicants.
Via Rail, Canada’s national passenger rail service, plays a crucial role in connecting cities across the country. By hiring new station attendants, the company aims to improve service efficiency and customer experience at one of the busiest travel hubs in Canada — **Toronto**. For those who are passionate about customer service and thrive in fast-paced environments, this hiring initiative comes at the perfect time.
Quick overview of Via Rail’s Toronto Station Attendant jobs
| Position Title | Station Attendant |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| Employer | Via Rail Canada |
| Education Required | No degree necessary |
| Hourly Wage | Approximately $30/hour |
| Employment Type | Full-time and part-time positions available |
| Application Process | Online via Via Rail careers portal (no resume required for some roles) |
Why Via Rail is hiring now
Post-pandemic travel is rebounding strongly across Canada. With increasing ridership and renewed focus on public rail transportation, Via Rail is scaling up its customer-facing workforce. The Toronto Union Station, being a major national transit node, needs additional staffing to streamline passenger assistance, ensure safety, and reduce delays in rail operations.
This recruitment effort is also part of Via Rail’s broader mission to support **diversity, inclusion, and accessibility** within its workforce. The company is intentionally lowering the barrier to entry by not requiring formal post-secondary education for these roles — effectively opening doors for younger applicants, newcomers, or those returning to the workforce.
Who qualifies and why it matters
Applicants do not need a degree, but they must meet some basic qualifications. To succeed in this role, candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, be physically fit for manual tasks (like luggage handling), and possess good spoken and written communication in both English and French. Bilingualism, while not mandatory, is considered an asset.
This initiative is particularly impactful for **recent high school graduates**, career changers, or people looking to re-enter the labor market without higher education credentials. Equally, working with a national employer like Via Rail can provide long-term career development opportunities — not just a job, but a launching pad for future advancement.
Day-to-day job responsibilities
Station attendants perform a wide gamut of tasks focused on enhancing customer experience at the station. These include:
- Welcoming and guiding passengers to the appropriate boarding gate
- Providing information about train schedules, facilities, and ticketing options
- Assisting travelers with reduced mobility or special needs
- Managing boarding and disembarkation procedures
- Loading and unloading passenger baggage onto trains
- Ensuring cleanliness and safety across passenger zones
The multi-faceted nature of the job means that candidates must remain adaptable and courteous even in high-volume service periods.
Salary expectations and benefits
Most station attendants at Via Rail can expect to earn around $30 per hour, which equates to approximately $60,000 annually if working full-time. This is particularly noteworthy given the no-degree requirement, putting these roles well above the average Canadian entry-level income.
In addition to a competitive wage, successful hires will benefit from:
- Full training provided by Via Rail
- Comprehensive health and dental benefits
- Pension plan and employee discounts
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Access to union membership under Unifor agreements
“We want working at Via Rail to be more than just a job — it should be an entry point into a fulfilling career in public service.”
— Placeholder, HR representative at Via Rail
How to apply step-by-step
Applying to become a station attendant with Via Rail is straightforward. Here’s how interested candidates can get started:
- Visit the Via Rail careers portal
- Search for available positions in Toronto under the “Station Attendant” category
- Click “Apply Now” and create a candidate profile
- Complete the application form (some listings do not require a resume)
- Submit and wait for an interview invitation via email or phone
Via Rail recommends applicants emphasize any prior customer service experience, even in unrelated industries such as retail, hospitality, or hotels. Enthusiasm for transportation or public infrastructure also stands out during interviews.
“Our hiring is about finding people with the right attitude. Skills we can teach — energy and empathy, you bring.”
— Placeholder, Manager of Station Operations, Toronto
Opportunities for advancement
Working as a station attendant isn’t just a terminal role — it’s frequently a stepping stone to other careers within Via Rail. Many current customer service managers or train conductors began in entry-level positions just like these.
Internal promotion opportunities exist in areas such as:
- Onboard train services
- Logistics and scheduling
- Security and safety operations
- Corporate services and administration
This makes the position even more appealing for candidates seeking job **stability and mobility**, especially within a federal Crown corporation setting.
Who might benefit and who may not
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| Job seekers without formal degrees | Those requiring remote work flexibility |
| Newcomers to Canada needing stable employment | Applicants with poor communication skills |
| Youth and recent high school graduates | People avoidant of physical/manual labor |
| Individuals looking to start careers in public transport | Those who are not available on weekends/holidays |
Short FAQs about Via Rail’s station attendant jobs
Do I need a university degree to apply?
No, these roles do not require any formal post-secondary education. High school diploma or equivalent is sufficient.
Is full-time employment available, or only part-time?
Via Rail is offering both full-time and part-time opportunities, depending on availability.
Is bilingualism in French and English mandatory?
No, it’s not mandatory but highly preferred. French-English bilinguals will have an advantage during hiring.
What type of shifts should I expect to work?
Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility is an asset for candidates.
Will I receive training before starting?
Yes, all new hires go through a full paid training program covering customer service protocols, safety, and station procedures.
Are these unionized positions?
Yes, station attendants are typically covered under a collective agreement with Unifor.
With rising living costs in Toronto, few opportunities offer strong wages, full benefits, and career potential without requiring a four-year degree. Via Rail’s call for station attendants could be an ideal gateway for thousands of motivated Canadians to step into a meaningful and stable career in national rail transportation.