Early Career Welder Trainee
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Caterpillar South Milwaukee Welder Training Program offers hands-on FCAW training in a manufacturing setting, with mentorship from seasoned welders and a clear path to certified production welder status.
You will learn to read welding blueprints, follow precise specs, and progressively advance through certifications while earning competitive pay from day one in a structured development environment.
Qualifications
- One of the following: 1+ year welding experience in manufacturing/fabrication, an accredited 2-year Associate Degree in Welding, or a 1-year Welding Diploma/Certificate from an accredited program.
Responsibilities
- Learn and perform Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing environment.
- Complete hands-on welding training through a structured development program.
- Work alongside experienced welders with mentorship and coaching.
- Read and follow work instructions, blueprints, and welding specifications.
- Grind, prepare, and finish weldments to quality standards.
- Support production of large structural steel components used in mining equipment.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Operations
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.
Location: South Milwaukee, WI
Sign-On & Retention Bonus: Up to $2,000
Shifts Available during training: 1st Shift or 2nd Shift
Shift Availability after training: 2nd Shift
- Trainee pay starting at $29.30/hour
- Incremental wage increases tied to completion of training checkpoints and certifications
- Upon successful completion of the training program pay increases to $33.35/hour
- Shift Premium (if applicable): +$1.00/hour for 2nd Shift
Looking to start or grow your welding career? Join the Caterpillar South Milwaukee Welder Training Program and build the skills needed to become a certified production welder while earning competitive pay from day one.
Whether you've completed a welding course, gained hands‑on experience in a school shop, worked in fabrication, or simply have a passion for welding, we'll help you develop your skills through structured training, mentorship, and real‑world manufacturing experience. You'll learn from experienced welders while working on some of the largest and most impressive mining equipment in the world.
This is an opportunity to build a long‑term skilled trades career with a global manufacturing leader.
Our South Milwaukee facility manufactures Cat® Electric Rope Shovels, some of the largest and most powerful mining machines on Earth. These massive machines support mining operations around the world and represent the highest levels of welding, fabrication, and manufacturing excellence.
As a Welder Trainee, you'll receive hands‑on training while contributing to the production of world‑class equipment. You'll be challenged to continuously improve your skills, grow your technical knowledge, and take pride in building products that have a global impact.
If you're looking for a place to learn, grow, and build a rewarding welding career, Caterpillar South Milwaukee is the place to start.
- Learn and perform Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) in a manufacturing environment
- Complete hands‑on welding training through a structured development program
- Work alongside experienced welders and receive mentorship and coaching
- Read and follow work instructions, blueprints, and welding specifications
- Grind, prepare, and finish weldments to quality standards
- Support production of large structural steel components used in mining equipment
- Maintain a safe work environment while following all Caterpillar safety expectations
- Progress through welding certifications and skill checkpoints to advance your career and earnings
One of the following:
- At least 1 year of welding experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment
- A 2-year Associate Degree in Welding from an accredited program
- A 1-year Welding Technical Diploma or Certificate from an accredited program
- Experience with Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Experience performing multi‑pass welds
- Familiarity with grinding, weld preparation, and metal fabrication
- Exposure to blueprint reading, weld symbols, or fabrication drawings
- Experience working with structural steel, heavy plate, or large weldments
- Manufacturing, fabrication, construction, shipbuilding, railroad, military, or industrial experience
- Strong commitment to safety
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to accept coaching and apply feedback
- Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship
- Ability to identify quality concerns and continuously improve
- Desire to develop technical skills and build a long‑term career
- Reliability, teamwork, and strong work ethics
- Earn while you learn through a structured welding development program
- Competitive starting pay with progression milestones built into the program
- Mentorship from experienced welders and manufacturing professionals
- Long‑term career growth opportunities within Caterpillar
- Comprehensive benefits package
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Day‑one health, dental, and vision benefits
Check out welding at Caterpillar and see the type of equipment you'll help build:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EiikDZxJA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Please check your email (including spam/junk folders) regularly for updates throughout the hiring process.
$29.30 - $31.60
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
* These benefits also apply to part‑time employees
August 4, 2026 - August 30, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
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