Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the United Kingdom is seeking two apprentices to join their engineering team at the Wimborne facility. This 48-month Level 3 apprenticeship program offers hands-on training in various engineering areas, combined with college-based learning leading to a nationally recognized qualification. The program includes a competitive salary starting at approximately £1,477 per year, along with benefits like annual leave, a family-friendly policy, and a flexible working environment. Successful candidates will have opportunities for long-term career advancement within the company.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Flexible benefits

Pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

5% annual bonus

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a minimum of four GCSEs including English and Maths.
• A-levels or Level 3 qualifications are acceptable.
• Degree holders without previous qualifications are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist in engine assembly learning to rebuild engines.
• Participate in testing engines for quality and performance.
• Conduct quality inspections of components.
• Learn design processes using CAD tools.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Education

Minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or 4 and above

A-level or equivalent Level 3 qualifications

Degree holders in relevant field

Job description

Career Area

Operations

Job Description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that 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.

We are Caterpillar

When you join Caterpillar, you’re joining a global team that 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 Marine Power UK Ltd is located on the outskirts of Wimborne on the Ferndown and Uddens Business Improvement District. Positioned centrally along the south coast, it is located close to national and international transport links.

With approximately 130 members of staff, there is a long and distinguished history spanning over 50 years of manufacturing marine propulsion and auxiliary engines under the Cat® and Perkins Marine® brands. Genset packages ranging from 1.5 litre to 7.1 litre and 7.1‑litre propulsion engines are produced at the Wimborne site. The facility can boast a wealth of experienced designers, engineers and technicians used to providing solutions for commercial, pleasure and military customers. From design, testing and building, each engine is proven before leaving the premises to ensure the best performance for the end‑user.

The Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a paid job where the employee learns and gains valuable, real‑life experiences.

We are looking for two apprentices to join our engineering team located at our Wimborne facility (BH21 7PW).

Our 48‑month Level 3 – degree apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. Alongside on‑the‑job training supported by relatable mentors, apprentices will spend at least 20 % of their working hours completing college‑based learning with our partnered training provider, Bournemouth & Poole College, leading to a nationally recognised qualification, Level 3 Apprentice Engineering Fitter.

Our apprentices will earn a competitive salary package, starting at approximately £1,477 per year. You will work 37.5 hours per week, receive 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and have access to a 5 % annual bonus, flexible benefits, a share scheme, a pension scheme, flexible working opportunities and family‑friendly policies.

You will attend Bournemouth and Poole College one day per week and work three to four days per week where you will be given the opportunity to experience different aspects of engineering, designed to provide you with an excellent foundation in the function.

You will be embedded in a highly skilled team and will also get to spend time in other areas of the business to fully understand our Manufacturing Operations and get to work and collaborate with people across the facility. Our apprenticeship roles will be based in each of the following areas:

• Engine Assembly: From the start of your apprenticeship, you will be developed towards engine assembly. You will learn the full strip and rebuild of an engine, from initial assessment of the product (Vett) to final checking of fully assembled product to approved standard (Quality Gate) ready for test. This will include disassembly and assembly of components, sub‑assemblies and complete products, inspection of parts at Vett and learning about electrical components. You will also gain experience in Fault Finding and Root Cause & Corrective Actions (RCCA).

• Test & Finishing: You will learn to rig, and test engines and transmissions across all our product range. You will learn the computerised diagnostic equipment to monitor engines and transmissions on test and help identify faults for rectification to ensure they meet quality and performance standards. You will also learn minor engine disassembly/reassembly, bore checks and full paint spray within the Engine Finishing Department (EFD).

• Quality Inspection: You will join a specialised team responsible for ensuring all supplied components into the facility are defect‑free and cause no disruption to engine or transmission assembly. You will investigate any issues that arise, utilising a variety of measurement devices, from hand gauges to complex measuring equipment such as CMM, and produce reports that will help our suppliers fix issues and improve quality.

• Product Design Engineering: You will also start to learn the fundamentals of the engineering design process using our state‑of‑the‑art Computer Aided Design tools. During your apprenticeship you will also have the opportunity to gain experience in other engineering and business functions, such as development engineering, applications engineering, project management, quality and manufacturing.

The programme is offered as a 48‑month fixed‑term contract. Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship there is a prospect of you being offered a position within our world‑class team with plenty of opportunity for long‑term progression. Many of our former apprentices now occupy roles within our organisation as career development is the foundation to all our apprenticeship schemes. Depending on the needs of the business, you may also be offered the chance to complete additional qualifications.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or 4 and above or equivalent, including English and Maths. Candidates with A‑level or equivalent Level 3 qualifications and degree holders who have no previous qualification within this field are also able to apply.

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: December 01, 2025
Closing Date: January 18, 2026
Interview Date (in‑person): March 2026, date TBC
Employment Start Date: September 2026, 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.

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

Stage one – 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 hold an Engagement Day for all new apprentices to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the facility before your employment start date. Apprentices will join the business in September 2026.

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 [e-mail].

Posting Dates: December 3, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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