High School Welding 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.

Caterpillar is partnering with the Great Promise Partnership (GP)/Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs in Georgia to offer local students an opportunity to start building a welding career.  Apprentice welders will work in welding functional areas to safely build excavators or small track-type tractors. This is an hourly position starting at $13.65/hr.  Must be a rising Junior or Senior at a Georgia County high school participating in the GP and/or WBL program to be considered.
                                                                                                                         

Watch our video to see our team build top-of-the-line excavators and tractors.

As a Welder Apprentice at Caterpillar, you will:

• Operate robotic and manual MIG weld machines
• Perform quality checks utilizing weld and attribute gages and other measuring tools
• Perform in station repair on defective welds using grinders
• Follow documented procedures standard work and routings to perform safe and defect free operations to create and machine components

Basic Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass AWS D1.1 weld test:
  • Fillet test in the 2F (horizontal), 3F (vertical) and 4F (overhead) positions
  • Limited thickness groove test in the 1G (flat groove) position
  • Welds will be inspected visually, destructively tested (bend test), and sectioned to verify proper penetration.
     
• Must be a state of Georgia High School rising Junior or Senior in the Great Promise and/or Work-Based Learning Program
• Must have support of parent or legal guardian
• Must have reliable transportation to the Caterpillar Athens plant
• Must be able to work during school year in 4-hour blocks of time
• Must be 16 years of age or older by January 2027 (prior to start date)

Physical requirements (with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Willing and able to sit or stand for prolonged periods
• Willing and able to perform repetitive operations
• Willing and able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Top candidates will also have:

• In good academic standing – 2.5 or better GPA
• Experience with operating robotic welding systems
• Experience with blueprint reading
• Experience working in manufacturing or welding environment
• A good discipline record
• Intermediate proficiency in welding skills (i.e., MIG, TIG, etc.)
• Proficiency in reading AWS welding symbols

Additional Information:  Resumes are highly encouraged for all applicants. Failure to attach a resume may lead to application to not be considered. This is an hourly welding apprenticeship position starting at $13.65/hour that will start in January.

Apprentices will work approximately 40 hours/week in the summer and 20 hours/week during the school year.  Apprentices must be able to work during school year in 4-hour blocks of time.

Summary Pay Range:

$13.65 - $19.28

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 6, 2026 - November 22, 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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