Engineer Apprentice

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.

Job Title:  Engineering Apprentice

Location:  Springvale

Salary:  Starting at £16,937 per annum

At Caterpillar Springvale (Belfast) we are proud of our apprenticeships which provide a safe and supportive environment for you to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice. If successful in joining us, you will gain valuable experience in real work environments giving you a head start in your career and allowing you to build on your capabilities. You will also gain a qualification which is transferable and recognised within the industry. We work with learning providers who have modern facilities, who understand our business and tailor your learning to help you be successful at work.

Who is Caterpillar? 

Caterpillar Inc. 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. The company has two sites in Northern Ireland. The Springvale facility, Belfast, produces major component subassemblies including axles and transmissions for Cat articulated trucks as well as other oil and gas applications.

Apprenticeship Opportunity: 

As an 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 manufacturing 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/Support and coaching from your Leader.

Job Duties/Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• During the industrial placement, you will be based within the Manufacturing Engineering team working on real projects, alongside experienced manufacturing engineers gaining first-hand experience of Lean Manufacturing, supporting efficiency improvement initiatives at the facility, and updating production standard work documentation.

• You will be required to interact and liaise with other departments internal and external to the business.

• You will be provided with all the support you require to be successful in your Apprenticeship.

• Support with Health and Safety Investigations

• Support closure of Continuous Improvement (CI) Cards

• Learn how to Develop, validate, and refine Process Control documentation – Standard Work, SFMEA’s, Ergonomic assessments, PFMEA’s etc.

• Learn how to understand and influence relevant stakeholders to ensure the highest quality standards in all aspects of work.

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of improvements.

• Assist with running Quality Reports and Reporting performance data.

• Assist in the development of processes for Engineering Changes & New Product Introduction

• Work with Engineering Team to resolve issues.

• Support time studies

• Any other appropriate duties

Benefits Of Employment with Caterpillar:

We offer a range of benefits, and your salary will increase as you achieve your academic milestones and gain experience.

When working at our facility, you will work a 37.5 -hour week, Monday to Thursday. (If you are under 18, your daily hours of work may be reduced to comply with Working Time Regulations.) When at college, you will work a five-day week.

• Competitive salary including annual bonus if triggered 

• 37.5 hours/week – typically Mon-Thurs although a variety of shift patterns exist 

• Working week includes paid day release at Northern Regional College 

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

• Other benefits include: 33 days holiday, free onsite parking, onsite canteen, contributory pension and share schemes, employee benefits scheme, employee assistance scheme 

Who are we looking for? 

At Caterpillar, we are proud of our five core values: Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment and Sustainability. We ask that those applying for this apprenticeship possess these personal qualities as well as the following:

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 2023. 

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

• There are no age restrictions on any of our apprenticeship schemes

• You must be eligible to live and work in the UK

• You must not be in full-time education at the start of the apprenticeship, 1st September

• You must not have completed any prior training or a previous apprenticeship similar or the same as the vacancy you are applying for

Recruitment Timeline  

• Go Live:  February 8, 2024 

• Closing Date:  March 31, 2024 

• Interview Date (in-person): Between April 23 and 25, 2024 

• Employment Start Date:  September, 2024 (date TBC)

• 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. 

I’ve Applied. What Happens Next?

Thank you for applying! Typically, the process takes around six weeks following the closing date:

• Stage one – Online Application: The first stage of the process is to complete the online application on or before the closing date. Your application will be assessed against the information you provide within your answers so, please take time to consider and construct your answer with detail and use the word count provided.  After the close date all application will be reviewed. This will take some time; however, all applications will receive a response.   

• Stage two – Assessment Centre: The half day assessment centre will focus on a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. The assessment will comprise a group exercise, a competency-based interview, and a short presentation which will be prepared in advance. Details may vary depending on the specific role you are applying for. Our aim is to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.  

• Stage three – Offer/ Feedback: After the assessment centre, the Caterpillar team will extend verbal offers to our chosen candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible.  Individual feedback will be offered to all candidates who attended the assessment centre.

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 ukrecruitment@cat.com

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO).

Posting Dates:

February 12, 2024 - March 31, 2024

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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