Fabricator/Welder Apprentice - Level 3

Caterpillar; Larne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturing company is seeking a Fabricator/Welder Apprentice in Larne, UK. This apprenticeship lasts between 3 and 5 years and includes on-the-job training and academic qualifications. Successful candidates will work within a cooperative manufacturing team and develop key skills while adhering to workplace standards. Upon completion, there are opportunities for long-term employment and additional qualifications. Interested applicants must meet minimum educational requirements and apply by February 22, 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary starting at approximately £19,601.67 per year

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contributory share and pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Annual bonus

Employee assistance scheme

Free onsite parking

Onsite canteen

Qualifications

• Must complete NVQ 2 & 3 and technical certificates.
• Physical ability to fulfil the job requirements.
• Compliance with safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a co‑operative manufacturing team.
• Participate in internal and off‑the‑job training.
• Display behaviour according to the company's Values in Action.

Skills

Ability to fabricate and weld

Reading engineering drawings

Operating machinery

Communication skills

Education

Minimum of 4 GCSEs including Mathematics, English and Science or Engineering, Grade C or above

Job description

Career Area: Operations

Compensation Grade: 4A

Job Description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar you become part of a global team that cares about the work we do and the people we work with. We create stronger, more sustainable communities and make progress and innovation happen with our customers.

Apprenticeship Details

As a Fabricator/Welder Apprentice at Caterpillar Larne 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 work with and contribute to a co‑operative manufacturing team and will develop your communication and interpersonal skills and use your initiative. Many opportunities will be available for apprentices who are keen to progress to production and engineering‑oriented positions.

Benefits

• Earn a competitive salary package, starting at approximately £19,601.67 per year.
• Receive 25 days 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.

Experience

• Learn to fabricate and weld components and sub‑assemblies, read engineering drawings and operate machinery, tools and equipment.
• Attend academic and training facilities when required and complete all assessments within agreed timescales.
• Complete all internal on and off‑the‑job training to fulfil training matrices and the requirements of the role.
• Fulfil required competencies and complete apprentice logbook.
• 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 and when required.
• Any other appropriate duties.

Entry Requirements

• Must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs including Mathematics, English and Science or Engineering, Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• Must be willing to undertake internal and external job and academic training to achieve required qualifications (e.g. NVQ 2 & 3 and technical certificates).
• Physical ability to fulfil the requirements of the job.
• Equivalent academic qualifications are welcome. You can apply with predicted grades. Successful candidates will be required to achieve the required grades before September 2026.

Our Culture

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 welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Our Sustainability Commitment

Caterpillar has a long‑standing commitment to sustainability, one of our five Values in Action. 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

Upon 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. Depending on the needs of the business you may also be offered the chance to complete additional qualifications. We are passionate about our people and their development and our professionally accredited apprenticeship schemes stand as a testament to that.

Recruitment Process

Closing Date: February 22nd, 2026

Assessment Centre (in‑person): Between 31st March and 1st April 2026

Employment Start Date: August 31st, 2026 (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.

Application

Online application is the first stage and must be completed before the closing date of the role. We will review all applications and contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage. Stage two is the assessment centre, which looks at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision‑making, communication and problem‑solving. Stage three is the offer stage.

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 at [e-mail].

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

Posting Dates: December 22, 2025 – February 22, 2026

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