Career Area:

Operations

Compensation Grade:

4A

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.

One Company, Limitless Opportunities

Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Energy & Transportation – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

The Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable, real-life experiences. As a Quality engineering Apprentice at Caterpillar, you will undertake a Modern Apprenticeship Programme lasting between 3 and 5 years. You will gain practical experience and achieve academic qualifications. In this entry level position, you will have the opportunity to work with and contribute towards a co-operative Quality team and will develop your communication and interpersonal skills as well as use your initiative. You will be required to interact with hourly and salaried employees at your facility and will receive guidance from your Team Leader. Many opportunities will be available for Quality Engineering Apprentices who are keen to progress to production and engineering orientated positions.

Our apprentices will:

• Earn a competitive salary package, starting at c. £17,615.24 per year

• receive 187.5 annual leave, plus bank holidays

• Have access to a contributory share and pension scheme, flexible benefits, annual bonus, employee assistance scheme, free onsite parking and onsite canteen

• Nationally recognised NVQ2/3 qualification(s) on completion with the opportunity to develop further to HNC/D or degree level

The Experience

• Support the Quality department in all aspects of its operational responsibilities

• Learn how to inspect incoming parts with various methods of inspection using various inspection equipment (Vernier calliper, Micrometre, Bore gauges and CMM)

• Learn how to collect and analyse data and produce reports to help with decision making.

• Learn to read Engineering drawings and how to apply this to your role within the quality department

• Assist and learn the calibration department’s role within the facility and how this directly contributes to the performance of the Facility

• Learn how to calibrate production tooling and perform TTA (Torque tool Accuracy) studies to ensure Quality and compliance within the facility

• Participate in supplier meetings to get an understanding of the process within the quality department

• Compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Compliance with 5S programme and other business improvement initiatives.

• Display behaviour and conduct fitting with our Values in Action.

• Train other employees if required.                                     

• Any other appropriate duties.

Entry Requirement

Minimum requirements (Selected applicants will be invited to attend an assessment centre).

• Should have a minimum of 4 GCSE’s including Mathematics, English and Science or Engineering, Grade C or above or equivalent. NB: Applicants may apply with predicted grades. If successful at assessment stage, the job offer will be conditional on achieving the required grades before September 2025.

• Must be willing to undertake internal and external job and academic training to achieve required qualifications. i.e.  NVQ 2 & 3 and technical certificates.

• Physical ability to fulfil the requirements of the job.

NOTE: Equivalent academic qualifications to the above requirements welcome. You can apply with predicted grades. If you’re successful at the interview stage, the job offer will be conditional on you achieving the required grades before September 2025.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working in a production environment.

Our Culture

There’s more to work at Caterpillar than just the work itself. We hire smart, friendly people and it shows in our culture. We hold ourselves to high standards and make sure our values of integrity, excellence, teamwork commitment and sustainability come to life in the way we work.

We believe diversity and inclusion are fundamental to innovation. We respect and value people with different opinions, experiences and backgrounds and believe that by working together, we can produce better results than any of us can achieve alone. Caterpillar is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. It is part of who we are and what we do. We actively lead sustainable green initiatives to preserve the environment, help reduce poverty with the Caterpillar Foundation and stay involved in the communities we help build.

Post Apprenticeship

On successful completion of this apprenticeship, you are very likely to be offered a position within our world-class team with plenty of opportunity for long-term progression. Many of our former apprentices now occupy senior management roles within our organisation as career development is the foundation to all our apprenticeship schemes.

We are passionate about our people and their development, and our professionally accredited apprenticeships schemes stand as testament to that. It’s your time and talent, make it counts. Join us today!

Recruitment Timeline

Go Live: 16th January 2025

Closing Date: 16th March 2025

Assessment Centre date: Between April 7th to April 10th (Note: assessment centre is a 1-day event)

Employment Start Date: 25th August 2025 (provisional)

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

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

NOTE: Only apply for a maximum of two apprenticeship schemes. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other schemes at a later stage.

Recruitment Process

Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application; this must be done before the closing date of the role that you’re applying for.  Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage. 

Stage two – Assessment Centre: The half day assessment centre (i.e. interview) will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. Each will consist of a group exercise, an interview and a presentation. Details will vary depending on the career area/role you are applying for. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible. 

Stage three – Offer: After the assessment centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our chosen candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible.

We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on [email protected].

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

Posting Dates:

January 16, 2025 - March 16, 2025

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.

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