Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship

Caterpillar; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Peterborough is offering an apprenticeship in the Component Engineering team. This role combines hands-on experience with academic training, leading to a Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship. Successful candidates will gain valuable insights through various placements, contributing to engineering projects and learning technical skills. The program ensures a competitive salary, generous leave, and future job prospects.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to pension scheme and flexible benefits

Qualifications

• GCSEs and A-Levels in relevant subjects required.
• Predicted grades can be accepted for application.
• Strong analytical and teamwork abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Undertake placements in various functional areas over six months.
• Engage in system design and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders for quality solutions.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

GCSEs: Three Grade 4 (C) including Maths, English, and a STEM subject

A-Levels: Minimum of 112 tariff points with Grade B in A-Level Mathematics

Job description

Career Area

Students and Graduates

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 makers, problem solvers and future world builders who create 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’re building a better world so we can all enjoy living in it.

We are Caterpillar. Our people roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We make progress happen. We’re proud of that because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure.

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 operate on every continent through three key segments – Construction Industries, Resource Industries, and Power & Energy – and provide 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 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 offer apprenticeships to join our Component Engineering team located at our Peterborough facility (PE1 5FQ). Our team designs, develops, tests and manufactures powertrain solutions for Caterpillar and third‑party customers.

Benefits of the Apprenticeship

• Earn a competitive salary package, starting at c. £2,493 per year.
• Receive 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Access to a contributory share and pension scheme, flexible benefits, flexible working opportunities, family‑friendly policies and up to 9% bonus.

Training and Qualification

In collaboration with our training provider, WMG University of Warwick, our 4‑year degree apprenticeship scheme enables you to grow and develop your capabilities. Apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing university‑based learning leading to a nationally recognised qualification through the Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship standard.

• A Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship certificate.
• BEng (Hons) Applied Professional Engineering.

Apprentices are required to attend university on a block release basis, travel and potentially stay over. Upon completion, apprentices can apply for IEng (Incorporated Engineer) professional registration status.

The Experience

Apprentices undertake various six‑month placements across a wide range of functional areas. Within each placement we develop solid learning experiences and formal developmental training while delivering business contributions to cost and quality targets. Placement tasks may include, but are not limited to:

• Component and system design, including simulation and predictive techniques to refine designs.
• Development of drawings and other information to support the release of parts onto Bill of Materials and engine lists in preparation for volume production.
• Write and review technical information and reports to support production design release.
• Collaborate with suppliers to develop specifications and deliver quality solutions through Advanced Product Quality Planning.
• Mechanical verification and validation of engine components and systems.
• Failure analysis and defect resolution using industry‑standard methods.
• Working with our Dealer & Distributor network to improve capability and quality of our products and services.
• Supporting new engine installations into machines with customers.
• Visiting customers to provide field support.
• Managing engine service and quality issues and considering commercial aspects.
• Producing engine service training material and literature.
• Supporting technical enquiries from customers.
• Design, develop and test new technology.

Entry Requirement

• GCSEs: Three Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and a STEM subject.
• A‑Levels: Minimum of 112 tariff points required including Grade B in A‑Level Mathematics. Points can be made up of A‑Levels or equivalent qualifications in any Engineering or relevant STEM subjects (Physics is recommended). Unfortunately the training provider is unable to accept T‑levels as an A‑Level equivalent.
• NOTE: 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. We actively lead 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 former apprentices occupy senior management roles within our organisation. 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 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 16th – 20th February 2026
• Engagement Day (in‑person): 2nd July 2026 (provisional)
• Employment Start Date: 7th September 2026 (provisional)

Recruitment Process

Stage one – Online Application: Complete the online application before the closing date. We review applications and notify you if you have progressed to the next stage.

Stage two – Assessment Centre: The half‑day assessment centre (interview) looks at teamwork, decision‑making, communication and problem‑solving through group exercises, interviews and presentations.

Stage three – Offer: After the assessment centre, the Caterpillar team reviews feedback and extends offers promptly. We hold an engagement day for all new apprentices to meet fellow starters before the start date. Apprentices join the business in September 2026.

Application Information

The panel cannot make assumptions when short‑listing; please demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to the criteria outlined.

Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please 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.

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].

Posting Dates

December 4, 2025 – January 18, 2026

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

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