Welder Apprentice

Career Area:

Operations

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.

Your Work Shapes Our World

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. Join us.

Want to build YOUR career?! LOOK at Caterpillar! We are looking for candidates just like you that want to build more than machines.  This is a terrific opportunity to join the Caterpillar North Little Rock AR team as a Welder Apprentice our 1st shift team earning day ONE benefits and a starting wage of $21.75/hour.

Caterpillar – North Little Rock utilizes a variety of welding processes within the facility. We have 15 robotic welding cells and over 30 different weld stations to complete daily builds. As a fabricator the main welding process is 0.052” GMAW (MIG) in the 1G/2G & 1F/2F positions. In addition, GTAW (TIG) and Stud Welding are utilized in some weld stations. Candidates must pass the following Welder Qualification Tests at the completion of a Caterpillar provided 6-Week Weld School and 3 Weeks OJT:

• 0.052” GMAW – 2F – 8mm – Single Pass
• 0.052” GMAW – 2F – 10mm – MULTI-PASS
• 0.052” GMAW – 2G – 12.7mm – MULTI-PASS
• 0.052” GMAW – 3F – 5mm
• GTAW 3F-4F Toe dress

Pay Rate and Schedule:

• Position includes a wage of $21.75/hour and a comprehensive benefit program
• Openings available on 1st shift: Monday – Friday 7a.m. - 3p.m. Overtime opportunities may be available on a voluntary basis based on business needs and with leader prior authorization

Basic Qualifications:

• Basic Knowledge of Welding Fundamentals
• Available to work from 7:00AM to 3:00PM during the introductory training period (6-Weeks in Weld School & 3-Weeks OJT)

Top Candidates Will Also Have:

• Welding experience and/or successful completion of a Technical or Trade School Welding Course
• Ability to Work Safely & Wear Required Personal Protective Equipment
• Experience utilizing GMAW, GTAW & Carbon Arc Gouging processes
• Ability to Complete an 8mm – 2F, 10mm – 2F & 25mm – 2G Weld Qualification Test utilizing 0.052” GMAW weld process
• Ability to Follow Standard Work Instructions
• Ability to Read Blueprints
• Ability to Work Overtime to Support Production Demands

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, kneel, squat, or stand for prolonged periods
• Ability to climb, work from and descend ladders/platforms/steps
• Ability to perform repetitive operations
• Ability to lift to 35 lbs.

Perks and Extra Details:

• Overtime is available, based on business need.
• You’ll have the opportunity for pay increases annually based on performance.
• Day One Benefits! We offer a total rewards package that provides medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K for all employees.
• Additional benefits include paid vacation days, holidays, personal time off (PTO) and a paid volunteer day (prorated based upon hire date).
• Potential to advance your career into operations leadership and other advanced manufacturing jobs.
• Safety is a top priority. We provide all personal protective equipment:
  • Welding Hoods, Jackets & Gloves,
  • Metatarsal guard steel-toe boots,
  • Safety glasses & hearing protection
  • Bump Caps

What you will get:

Our goal at Caterpillar is for YOU to have a rewarding career. Here you earn more than just an hourly wage because we value your performance, we offer a total rewards package that provides Day ONE benefits (medical, dental, vision, RX, and 401K), weekly pay. Additional benefits include paid holidays and paid time off (prorated based upon hire date).

Final details
Resumes are required. Please do not submit a blank application (no work history or resume attached) as this may lead to disqualification. Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in (Be sure to keep your username and password when you initially apply) on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O

Not ready to apply? Submit your information to our Talent Network here .

Summary Pay Range:

$21.75 - $27.30

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

November 4, 2026 - November 9, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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