Mechanical Fitter Apprentice - Level 3

Caterpillar; Larne; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturing company is seeking a Mechanical Fitter Apprentice in Larne, Northern Ireland. This apprenticeship lasts 3-5 years and includes practical experience along with academic qualifications. The role involves working within a co-operative manufacturing team, performing diverse functions such as assemblies and fitting while gaining crucial skills for future engineering positions. The company offers a competitive salary, extensive benefits, and career development opportunities upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Benefits

Competitive salary package starting at c. £19,601.67 per year

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to a contributory share and pension scheme

Qualifications

• Must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs including Mathematics, English, and Science or Engineering.
• Willing to undertake internal and external training to achieve NVQ 2 & 3.

Responsibilities

• Perform diverse functions such as assemblies and fitting.
• Read and interpret complex prints and sketches.
• Operate testing equipment for functional tests.

Skills

Communication skills

Initiative

Teamwork

Education

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

Job description

Career Area: Operations

Compensation Grade: 4A

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.

We are Caterpillar

When you join Caterpillar, you are joining a team of makers, innovators and doers. We are the people who roll up our sleeves and do the work to build a better world. We don’t just talk about progress and innovation. We make it happen. And we are proud of that, because it helps our customers build and power the world we live in – the roads, hospitals, homes and infrastructure.

We are Caterpillar. Are you?

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.

Caterpillar's Electric Power Division (EPD) offers integrated solutions, parts, and services to meet the needs of our various commercial and industrial electric power customers. EPD supports a wide range of customer applications across the globe, including providing back‑up power to hospitals, providing emergency power when natural disasters strike, and supporting critical infrastructure for data centres, municipalities, and more.

With a rich history of more than 95 years in the electric power business, our team has world‑class expertise and a proven ability to adapt to changing demands. We’re committed to providing sustainable and reliable solutions to our customers.

The Apprenticeship

As a Mechanical Fitter 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 develop your communication and interpersonal skills as well as use your initiative. Many opportunities will be available for apprentices who are keen to progress to production and engineering‑oriented positions.

• Earn a competitive salary package, starting at c. £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

In collaboration with our partnered training provider, Northern Regional College in Newtownabbey, our apprentices attend college 2 days per week and can gain a nationally recognised NVQ 2/3 qualification(s) on completion with the opportunity to develop further to HNC/D or degree level.

The Experience

• Perform diverse functions such as assemblies, fitting, adjusting, altering, wiring engines, generator sets, control panels, piping and plumbing systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems to construct special order generator sets or maintain site/plant equipment.
• Read and interpret complex prints and sketches in order to plan methods and sequence of assembly.
• Transform verbal instructions into plan methods and sequence of assembly.
• Operate testing equipment to perform functional tests on components being assembled and reworks as necessary.
• Repair site and plant equipment in the event of reported malfunctions.
• 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 when required.
• Any other appropriate duties.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirements (Selected applicants will be invited to attend an assessment centre):

• Should 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, i.e. NVQ 2 & 3 and technical certificates.

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. 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.

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: February 22, 2026
• Assessment Centre (in‑person): Between 31 st March – 1 st April 2026
• Employment Start Date: August 31 st 2026 (provisional)

Recruitment Process

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. We review 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 practical activity. 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 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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