Level 3 Metal Fabricating Apprenticeship

Caterpillar; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

A global equipment manufacturer is seeking 2 apprentices for their Welding Fabrication Team in Peterborough. This 4-year paid apprenticeship will provide on-the-job training and valuable experience, alongside college learning towards an Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. Apprentices can expect a competitive salary starting at £15,311 per year, along with benefits including annual leave and a share scheme. Upon completion, a full-time position may be offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

5% annual bonus

Share scheme

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Ability to combine learning with on-the-job training.
• Commitment to attending college on a day release basis.

Responsibilities

• Join the Welding Fabrication Team at our Peterborough facility.
• Participate in a 4-year advanced apprenticeship scheme.

Education

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and a Science or Engineering subject

Equivalent academic qualifications welcome

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 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.

One Company, Limitless Opportunities

Caterpillar 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. We do business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Power & Energy – and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment.

Careers at Caterpillar are limitless, we have opportunities in Engineering, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and so much more. You can create the career you want. It’s your time and talent, make it count.

The Apprenticeship

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

We are looking for 2 apprentices to join our Welding Fabrication Team located at our Peterborough facility (PE1 5FQ).

This 4-year advanced apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. From day one, you will be embedded in a team, solving real world problems through combining college-based learning with on-the-job training. You’ll learn the latest skills and knowledge from our Welder and Fabricating experts.

Our apprentices will:

• earn a competitive salary package, starting at c. £15,311 per year
• receive 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• have access to a 5% annual bonus, a share scheme, a pension scheme, flexible benefits, flexible working opportunities and family-friendly policies

In collaboration with our partnered training provider, College of West Anglia (Wisbech Campus), our 4-year advanced apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. Alongside on-the-job training supported by relevant mentors, apprentices will spend at least 20% of their working hours completing college-based learning leading to nationally recognised qualifications through Metal fabricator / Skills England standard:

• A Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge) 60313535

As part of this apprenticeship, apprentices are required to attend college on a day release basis and therefore will be required to travel. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices can apply for the appropriate level of EngTech (Engineering Technician) professional registration status.

Entry Requirement

• GCSEs: Five GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and a Science or Engineering subject.
• OR completed one year full-time further education and achieved Performing Engineering Operations, Level 2 (6 units). With Maths & English at level 2.
• A-Levels: Not required.
• NOTE: Equivalent academic qualifications to the above requirements welcome. You can apply with predicted grades. If you’re successful at the interview stage, the job offer will be conditional on you achieving the required grades before September 2026.

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 count. Join us today!

Recruitment Timeline

Go Live: 1st December 2025

Closing Date: 18th January 2026

Interview/Assessment Centre Day (in-person): Between 30th March - 10th April 2026

Engagement Day (in-person): 2nd July 2026 (provisional)

Employment Start Date: 7th September 2026 (provisional)

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.

Contact

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].

Equal Opportunity Statement

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