Electrician Trainee

Caterpillar; Morton (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Caterpillar in Morton, Illinois is offering an Electrician Trainee program that provides hands-on maintenance and electrical training over about 36 months. Trainees will complete coursework through Illinois Central College with tuition, books, and fees fully covered, leading to an Electrician role.

The program emphasizes hands-on plant learning, safety, and skill progression, with benefits and a structured path to a full-time electrician position at Caterpillar.

Qualifications

• Interest in learning new technical skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to pass a two-hour skills assessment at program completion.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance troubleshooting across a variety of equipment.
• Basic electrical and circuitry fundamentals.
• Machine power transmission concepts.
• Reading and interpreting prints and schematics.
• Operating basic machine tools.
• Hydraulic system repair and maintenance.
• Industrial rigging and hoist/lift operations.
• Basic CNC functions.
• Additional maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues.
• Installing and maintaining commercial wiring systems.
• Working with advanced circuitry and electrical components.
• Using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic counters.
• Calibrating and maintaining electronic testing devices.
• Performing preventative electrical maintenance.
• Supporting electrical work throughout the facility.

Skills

Interest in learning new technicals

Strong organizational skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

Associate’s Degree in Applied Science

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.

Starting Pay: $21.49/hour

The Electrician Trainee role is an entry pathway into the skilled trades at our Morton facility. This program is designed for individuals who want to build a long-term career in maintenance / industrial electrical work while earning a wage and completing a paid college program.

Over the course of approximately 36 months, trainees complete hands-on learning in the plant along with coursework through Illinois Central College. All tuition, books, and fees are covered.

By the end of the program, trainees will have developed the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to move into a Electrician position.

What You’ll Be Learning and Doing

Maintenance Skills

• Maintenance troubleshooting across a variety of equipment
• Basic electrical and circuitry fundamentals
• Machine power transmission concepts
• Reading and interpreting prints and schematics
• Operating basic machine tools
• Hydraulic system repair and maintenance
• Industrial rigging and hoist/lift operations
• Basic CNC functions
• Additional maintenance tasks as assigned

Electrician Skills

• Diagnosing and repairing electrical issues
• Installing and maintaining commercial wiring systems
• Working with advanced circuitry and electrical components
• Using test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, and electronic counters
• Calibrating and maintaining electronic testing devices
• Performing preventative electrical maintenance
• Supporting electrical work throughout the facility

What You Need to Bring

• Interest in learning new technical skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to pass a two-hour skills assessment at program completion

Preferred Background

• Previous electrical work or training
• Familiarity with reading basic schematics or blueprints
• Familiarity with basic machine shop tools

Physical Expectations

• Comfortable working around high-voltage equipment, heavy machinery, and elevated work areas
• Able to stand for long periods (8-12 hours)
• Able to work in tight or congested spaces when required

What You’ll Receive

• A workplace that prioritizes safety in every task
• $21.49/hour starting pay with increases tied to demonstrated skill progression
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• 401(k) plan
• Access to wellness programs
• A fully funded Associate’s Degree in Applied Science through ICC 63 credit hours)
  • Scheduled class days count as paid 8-hour workdays
  • Non-class days are spent completing on-the-job training in the Morton facility

Pre-Employment Requirements

All successful candidates must pass the following pre-employment screenings before joining the team:

• Background screening.
• Drug screening.
• Post-offer medical questionnaire and clearance from Corporate Medical

Additional Details

• Full benefits included
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• Position is based in Morton, Illinois
• Relocation assistance is not available
• Program start date: January 4th, 2027
• Applicants should monitor the email used on their application (including spam/junk folders) for updates. Application status can also be viewed through the candidate portal.

Summary Pay Range:

$0.00 - $0.00

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.

Benefits:

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

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.