Human Resources Placement Student Intern

Career Area:

Students and Graduates

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

12 Month Industrial Placement Scheme  

Discipline: Human Resources and Organisation, Talent & Development

Location: Peterlee, UK 

Salary: £26,000, Share Scheme, Pension, 25 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays) 

We currently have some exciting opportunities for industrial placement students to join Caterpillar across several of our sites. You will have the opportunity to work with others across our organisation, and you will be directly involved, and at the heart of our business, participating on strategic projects. 

*Please note that in order to be eligible to complete a 12-Month Industrial Placement commencing July 2027, you must be in your penultimate year of study unless enrolled in an integrated master’s program. 

Who is Caterpillar?  

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Operating from 50 countries around the globe, the Caterpillar brand has developed into a symbol of strength, respect, and integrity. The organisation has a clear vision to be the global leader in providing customer value in the markets in which it operates. Our core values (Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability) are key to our success. 

What do we do?  

Caterpillar Peterlee is the worldwide source of Cat® Articulated Trucks, currently producing an 8-model range used in many industries including mining, construction, and aggregates. The facility's manufacturing activities use the latest computer analysis techniques, robotic technology, and a state-of-the-art paint plant. Machines from the site are shipped to customers around the world.  

The Human Resources (HR) team which you will work within are responsible for partnering with leaders and employees throughout the business; working towards maximising the potential of each employee and making sure Caterpillar is a great place to work. Together with the extended team in Caterpillar’s UK HR In Country Team and Corporate HR, they represent the whole spectrum of HR.  

Diversity at Caterpillar 

When we leverage our people's experiences, backgrounds, and cultures in an inclusive environment, we enable every individual to achieve their full potential, which drives business success. We are proud to be active partners with both the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) & Women's Engineering Society (WES). We also have numerous well supported employee resource groups. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.   

What experiences can we offer you?  

There are two opportunities available within this posting...

Core HR (Employee Relations) Placement Role

You will gain invaluable experience working predominantly within the core HR team (Employee Relations Team). In addition to working with the core HR team, you will also be exposed to recruitment and selection, learning and development, and occupational health.  

You will gain professional experience which will ultimately allow you to transition into a general HR practitioner. The role will provide you with solid grounding and will be the catalyst from which you are able to progress and continue your commitment to a career in Human Resources. This is a fantastic opportunity for a local placement with an international employer.  

Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:  

• Maintaining the employee absence tracking system
• Track absence triggers and liaising closely with Occupational Health 
• Supporting the day-to-day running of the HR team  
• Minute taking in disciplinary and grievance meetings  
• Producing and formatting presentations for a variety of HR topics  
• Supporting on delivering learning and development requirements 
• Supporting recruitment processes
• Supporting onboarding activities for new hires 
• Business ambassador duties including attending STEM events with local schools 
• Producing absence and disciplinary KPIs  
• Liaising with managers for all HR related matters  
• Supporting production workforce in accessing relevant systems i.e., Workday 
• HR administrative tasks

OT&D Department Placement Role

You will gain invaluable experience working predominantly within the OT&D team (Organisation Talent and Development). In addition to working with the OT&D team you will also be exposed to human resource, recruitment and selection, and occupational health.  

You will gain professional experience which will ultimately allow you to transition into a learning and development professional. The role will provide you with solid grounding and will be the catalyst from which you are able to progress and continue your commitment to a career in Human Resources or Learning and Development. This is a fantastic opportunity for a local placement with an international employer.  

Job duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to:  

• Support the organisation and coordination of STEM events
• Supporting continuous improvement projects and initiatives
• Update and maintain the OT&D internal SharePoint site
• Supporting the apprentice program
• Support the OT&D Team with training administration  
• Note taking in meetings  
• Producing and formatting presentations for a variety of topics  
• Supporting on delivering learning and development requirements 
• Supporting the recruitment process  
• Supporting onboarding activities for new hires 

Who are we looking for? 

Skills, experiences and qualifications you must have:  

• It is essential that applicants should have achieved or be on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 in one of the following disciplines: Business and HR Management or Business Management (in which you have covered at least one HR module)  
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills  
• Able to demonstrate good organisational, analytical and time management skills  
• Experience in using office365 tools i.e., Excel and PowerPoint  

Skills, experiences and qualifications you may have:  

• Any relevant experience in administration, HR, or an office-based role  
• Part of a society or sports team internal or external to university  

Recruitment Process Guidelines:

We’re excited that you’re considering a career with Caterpillar. Below is an overview of our Early Careers recruitment process and what you can expect at each stage.

Step 1 – Online Application: To apply, simply complete our online application form and upload your CV before the advertised closing date. Our team will review all submissions, and we’ll keep you updated and let you know as soon as possible if you’ve been selected to progress to the next stage.

Step 2 – Online Assessments & Video Interview: If you are selected to move forward in the process, you’ll be invited to complete some online assessments, followed by a user-friendly video interview. Your responses will be reviewed by the hiring team, and successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Centre, which we anticipate will take place on Tuesday 2nd February at our Peterlee facility. If possible, we recommend keeping this date available.

To ensure you don’t miss any communications from us, please regularly check your text, email inbox (including your spam/junk folder) and your Workday account for updates.

Step 3 – In Person Assessment Centre: Our Assessment Centre is designed to help you showcase your potential through a range of interactive activities focused on competencies such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

We aim to make the experience engaging, inclusive, and relaxed, giving you the best opportunity to demonstrate your strengths and learn more about Caterpillar.

Step 4 – Offer: Following the Assessment Centre, the Caterpillar team will review all feedback to make hiring decisions. We aim to communicate outcomes and extend offers to successful candidates as quickly as possible.

Placement students will begin their placement on 5th July 2027.

NOTE: Only one application is required, please do not apply for multiple roles. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other roles/locations at a later stage. 

The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your qualifications and experience on your CV relevant to the criteria outlined.   

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting. 

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Posting Dates:

November 9, 2026 - December 10, 2026

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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